If your friend does get the CJ-5, Advanced Adapters will have everything needed (at a cost$$$) to adapt prety much any tranny to any motor. Being a CJ-5, does limit the options though. I tossed my stk 4sd (a T176)
and installed a ford T-18 w/granny. The T-18 is 2 1/4 inches longer (and about 100 lbs heavier too!) than the T-176 Now for my application I needed a new adapter plate for my T/C to the tranny. (and a new tranny output shaft) The stk adapter plate was much thinner that the new adapter plate. With the combined length of the new tranny and adapter plate, I needed new drive lines. The front drive line was increased by aprox 4" and the rear driveline is a wopping 13.75 inches now. (with a CV)
So, swapping in a new tranny could be an easy chore, depending on your level of mechanical ability, tool available, $$$ available etc.. it's the other little things
you need to watch.
I'd love to have an Atlas T/C,but to do so I'd have relocate my rear axle back behind my jeep a few inches.
If I were to "do it all over again" I'd forget about a CJ-5 and look for the CJ-7
Longer body, more options for tranny/T/C, it can carry a little more cargo, and rides better! I've invested 20yrs into my CJ-5, unless I win a lottery, I won't be gettin rid of her anytime soon.
Hey, tell your friend good luck with whatever he/she end's up with ....
Troy
P.S. she's a 82' CJ-5, fuel inj 6 cyl, 4in lift, 2" body lift, ARB air locker rear, power lok front, welder, on-board air (150psi)Warn 8274 4:10's T-18 w/ granny, M.O.R.E bombproof motor mounts, and 33"BFG MT's