3B 5spd into 78FJ45

[MadmanCruiser]

Looking for some advice...

Later in the spring I am going to be dropping a 3B and 5spd into my 78 FJ45.

WHAT I KNOW:

- I have read that one of the existing 2F motor mounts (forget off hand which side) will work in its existing position, the other will need to be modified (no big deal).
- Transmission crossmember will have to be modified (understood)
- Will be converting to a disk brake front axle (no biggie)

WHAT I NEED SOME ADVICE about:

- Ebrake???

The existing ebrake is on the 4spd transmission, the rear axle is a full floater which I would like to keep, what are my Ebrake options?

I really want the 5spd (not planning on going bigger than 31 inch tires) and I will be doing some long trips, so 4spd is out of the question.

How do I set this up?

Any and all advice will be appreciated.

Thanks

Adam

[cruiser_guy]

SOR has a drive shaft e-brake kit for the split case. It's a $500 option though. Can you change the backing plates on the full floater and put an e-brake on there?

I found that in order to keep the tranny/transfer in the same spot on the FJ55 I needed to move both mounts. The angle on the mounts is also different which you may want to take into account.

Put a turbo on that 3B and it's a much sweeter engine!

[lowenbrau]

The disc conversion for the FF is pretty easy and if you use Eldorado calipers you get the cable actuated barking brake. Its an option. Mudrak is also providing the factory splitcase brake kit. Not cheap but effective.

[crushers]

or you can swap a 70 series rear axle in...

[MadmanCruiser]

I guess that is more of my question.

Does anyone know if it is possible to convert the backing plate on a full floater rear axle to one from say...a BJ60?

I saw the $500 option, and that just seems like too much to me. I have lots of parts and access to lots of parts off of existing Cruisers and I was wondering if it would be possible to rig something up for less than $500.

My ultimate goal would be to keep the full floater rear, regardless of whether it is drum or not.

What would I need to convert to disks on the rear of this axle? Forgive me if it is common knowledge, but if i can go to the wreckers and pick up the parts, that would be more in my price range.

[MadmanCruiser]

Oh yes...ultimate goal would be to throw the turbo on, but for now I just want this thing on the road!

[lowenbrau]

Something like this?
http://tsmmfg.com/2491.htm

[MadmanCruiser]

Um, yup, that would do it.

Though it does look like it would add up to $500 when all is said and done.

I suppose this would be easier than the split case brake kit no?

Has anyone done this? What was the total cost?

Thanks

Adam

[lowenbrau]

I'd think the case brake would be easier. Your cable is already there and waiting but neither will be hard. The rear disc conversion should be cheaper if you scrounge all your own stuff and fab your own brackets.

I'm in the same boat with my 45. I have a linelock that I may live with if I don't swap in my 60 series FF axle.

[MadmanCruiser]

Aye...there would be the problem, sadly I am not a fabricator, nor do I know of any.....drat.

Line lock....I can guess what it is, do you have any details about this? Would that be an option for me?

Now you have me very curious....

[Grease Cruiser]

Line locks are exactly what you think it is. You depress the brake pedal and actuate the lock. It works well in a pinch but eventually the hydraulic pressure bleeds off and you are left with nothing. There has been more than one wheeler lose a rig this way. They set their line lock and walk away for awhile. they come back to a missing rig because thier line locks bled off.

Also, line locks are not a suitable means of a "parking/emergency brake" in many areas, ie states or provinces. An emergency brake or parking brake has to be an alternate means of applying the brakes or preventing the vehicle from moving. Just a legal heads up for what it is worth.

[lowenbrau]

Yup, GC is totally right. Line locks are convenient when you are winching another rig and don't want to have to stand on the brakes. They work as a parking brake but I don't trust them very far. If I end up using mine, I will have to be diligent to ensure that the tranny is in gear (122:1 should do it) and realize that I have no emergency brake.

T-case mounted brakes are not capable as emergency brakes either, they just tear the mount off the t-case. Your best bet is a mechnical brake on the wheel for that.

[MadmanCruiser]

OK, those are the answers that i was looking for.

Thanks a lot.

It looks like i will be going with the conversion kit for the rear.

Cheers.

Unless someone comes up with something better...

[dieseldog]

On my 76 HJ-45, I installed a five-speed and split case combo and had to do the very thing you are contemplating. Sorry if you don't want to hear it; however, the SIMPLEST option is to go with the kit that SOR or whoever puts out. $500.00 ain't shit when you are talking driveline mods. It is an easy thing to install and you'll have to be modding both of your driveshafts anyway (the overdrive fifth makes the tranny longer), so get with it and go simple. You said you're not real concerned if you keep the drums or not. With the e-brake on the shaft, you can make your options on the disk brake conversion much simpler later. I'll eventually swap to disks on the rear as well, but for now, I have a great driveline and am very happy.

[crushers]

or get rid of the Ff and go with a SF from a 82-84 40-42 series...
straight bolt in...

[dieseldog]

Wayne's right, but I like the 1-ton rating of my 45 and the FF is stronger IMHO.

[MadmanCruiser]

Yeah...I really want to keep full floater...sigh.

Will a rear axle from an 81 work too? (I have one of thoses...)

[crushers]

if hte ebrake is on the rear then yep, just make sure you are running the same diff ratio front and rear...

[MadmanCruiser]

I can't remember...I have it at a friends house....from what i recall it does....but i haven't seen the truck in a while.

Next question, what would be the stock diffs in a 78 and an 81 (78 for the front disk axle, 81 for the rear parking brake.

Anyone know what a full floater axle would be worth off of the 45? Could sell that i suppose to finance some of the other work...

[crushers]

the 45 will have 4.11 (unless it has been changed out) and the 81 will be 4.11 (if it is diesel and not changed out) and 3.7 if it is a gasser (and not changed out)

[MadmanCruiser]

Thanks Wayne, as far as i know they are stock.

Adam

[dieseldog]

God, I love these trucks. 45's rock.

[MadmanCruiser]

Agreed, I don't know of much that compares to them.

Adam

[crushers]

a 75

[cruiserbrett]

www.liquidoffroad.com offers the t-case parking brake kits for alot cheaper than Sor or others...

[MadmanCruiser]

Very cool, thanks for the tip.

I agree Wayne the 75 is cool, but for retro coolness, nuttin beats a 45.



Adam

[crushers]

agree completely, the 45 is still the coolest of the pre 7* series...
troopie, pickup both
cheers

[dieseldog]

Brett, thanks for the info about liquidoffroad. Fact remains, I think this is the best solution to ebrake situation. It keeps your FF rear and allows more options with brake conversions.

[MadmanCruiser]

I agree competely. This is likely the route that I will be taking.