Need a manual trans that'll bolt up to an OM617 motor
 

The motor is sitting in a truck right now and I'm looking for a manual transmission that will be able to handle a 4000lb truck. Any suggestions? I know they made manual transmissions for the T1/T2 truck so that's what i'm looking for but mostly just finding more automatics and 4 speeds for the OM616 4 cyl motor. Will that transmission handle the weight of the truck and the torque of the OM617 at the same time?

I know that OM617s were used in quite large vans and flat bed trucks - I don't know the associated transmission part numbers that were used in these configurations though...

I've just had a look on Wikepedia and I can't find anything for the 1980s... There is a load of information on the Sprinter though - but that uses newer engines

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_Sprinter

There's a great wiki on the Mercedes TN (T1/T2): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_TN But it doesn't have all the info I'm looking for.

there is an adapter plate to bolt the 617 to some flavor of ford or GM transmission.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/283411-teaser-shot.html?highlight=teaser

that might help

My friend already went that route with a GM 4L80E attached to the OM617 but the gear ratios weren't right for the motor, so he wants to go with a truck trans...but the German version of cash for clunkers has screwed a lot of the parts availability over here.

ah.. well I'm stumped.

Try asking a dealer or the MB classic centre you guys have over there (or what ever it is called) for information regarding the older versions of the Sprinter - they must know what sort of transmissions were fitted to OM616s and OM617s - I know for sure that these engines were used in these lighter weight commercials. The pay load on some of them were probably more than 2 (metric) tons - so what ever they used is bound to be good for you.

Use a jeep ax15 5 speed manual tranny from late 80s to mid 90s midsized cherokees. Here is a link to a site that sells the entire adapter kit for under $400. Easeee peaseee


http://mercedesdiesel4x4.com/Products.aspx