1987 FJ60 Value between a 4 speed and new 5 speed Transmission

[Rainercar]

I know, there are numerous discussions on this Forum, about current values of the 1987 Land Cruisers. And it depends mostly on condition, mileage and how much or how little has been modified.

My question is, on a stock car with 200,000 mi or more, with a rebuild engine and a good interior, no mechanical issues and no rust, what is the value difference between a car that has a good, lower mileage (140,000 miles) 4-speed transmission, compared with a car that had the original transmission removed, and a new 5-speed H55F installed, as well as the transfer case rebuild at that time ?

I have seen wide ranges of prices, with most having an orig good running 4 speed installed. Not too many examples, which had a new h55F swapped in...( Those lucky people don't normally think of selling their cars soon...)

The reason I am asking, is, I have to replace my 4 speed, which has a bad 2nd gear synchro. Transfer case is OK, was hardly ever used by the original owner.
I have good 4 speed available. An installation of a new H55F would cost approx $ 2,500.00 more. Labor and rebuild cost of the T/C at time of swap is the same.
So, with everything being equal, how much more value would the car have, if a new 5 speed is installed ?

I could do either trans, but I am not sure, if the value is going to be higher by the additional investment.
I would appreciate your opinions.

Rainer

 

[Elbert]

don't see much in increased value, if the 5speed means nothing to you then stay with the 4.

 

[Spike Strip]

Don't you already have the 5 spd? Since the tranny has to come out, why not?

For value, maybe a couple Ks more - Maybe. You won't get your full value out of it, if that's what you're asking, unless you find a buyer that is hot to have a 5spd already installed.

The 5 spd is for drive-ability and off road capability with the lower first gear. If this is gonna be your DD and mall crawler, do the 4 spd and keep the money.

I've had both. Frankly, I liked the H42 better for around town.

 

[ScottT]

Won't get the money back when you sell, but the 5 speed is much better on the highway and when crawling. Can't entirely make up for the low hp engine, but is not at max rpm on the interstate. Low range really helps when descending something steep. Don't have to be on the brakes continually in first. Best thing to do if you're not just driving around town and you want to keep the 2f.

 

[Rainercar]

No, I don't have the 5 speed yet. I have locate a good 4 speed I was planning to install after the Christmas holidays. The 5 speed was an option, for more money..

Good. Thats the feed back I was looking for. I will go with the 4 speed.
Thank You...

Rainer

 

[cruisedeisel]

But then again, if you are just driving around town. Why not drive a honda civic?

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

don't build a land cruiser as an investment- use the investment facet to convince your wife it's ok to spend the money to build the rig the WAY YOU WANT TO DRIVE IT.....five forward speeds would be awesome.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

But then again, if you are just driving around town. Why not drive a honda civic?

 

[micruz60]

I wonder if anyone has an original window sticker pricelist for a factory equipt 5 speed?
Could compare to the pricelist on a 4 speed.

 

[Rainercar]

I wonder if anyone has an original window sticker pricelist for a factory equipt 5 speed?
Could compare to the pricelist on a 4 speed.

Its my understanding, that the 1987's were not available with 5 speeds. Available only with 4 speeds.
5 speeds were installed only on cars for the overseas markets, due to their higher speed limits at that time, which required an overdrive to reduce the rpm's at top speeds..

 

[3_puppies]

if looking to recoup the extra $$'s when selling, you won't get all of it.
the 5 speed is a nice luxury for driving, you will fully enjoy it. and definitely worth doing if you are planning to keep it for a few years.
don't install and try to sell the rig and expect to get the full "investment" back out of it.

 

[micruz60]

Its my understanding, that the 1987's were not available with 5 speeds. Available only with 4 speeds.
5 speeds were installed only on cars for the overseas markets, due to their higher speed limits at that time, which required an overdrive to reduce the rpm's at top speeds..

Understood, I was only looking for a compare, even between Canada and USA, currency conversion if necessary

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, I'd go 5 speed if keeping long term . If short term go 4 speed , they can be bought for little to nothing. mike

 

[cruisedeisel]

I vote 5 speed

 

[roscoFJ73]

I wonder if anyone has an original window sticker pricelist for a factory equipt 5 speed?
Could compare to the pricelist on a 4 speed.

I don't think any country was given a choice of 4 or 5 speed. It was what ever the importer ordered and you were stuck with. Any value difference is really in the eyes of a future buyer. Most 5 sp came with 4.11 diffs and the American FJ60 with 4sp have 3.7 diffs which will give them a similar rpm and speed in top gear.
Looks like the 60 series forum is becoming and investment forum like the 40 and 70 series forums

 

[gilamonster]

I like the idea of the 5 speed, but the price really will never pay you back in the mpg's you gain.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

I don't think any country was given a choice of 4 or 5 speed.......
Looks like the 60 series forum is becoming and investment forum like the 40 and 70 series forums

yep; git em while ya can ...all you speculators out there can kiss my oem chrome bumper;

 

[Spike Strip]

Next gas price spike and they'll be selling for $4K again.

 

[Forerunner]

Next gas price spike and they'll be selling for $4K again.

Then I'll buy two more!...Love mine.

OP: I have battled the same question with my 4spd. If and when the time comes for replacement, I would get the 5spd.

 

[gregnash]

I think what most end up running up against is they either start using their US trucks (4spd) for longer DD commutes, then they begin to want the 5spd for the slight overdrive. From my understanding, the BJ60 (3B natural aspirated) and HJ61 (2H natural aspirated) were only offered with the 5spd outside of the US(I think). I don't believe that any of the diesels came with a 4spd.

For the US many of the guys either want it as the "fun" upgrade or want it because of the above (e.g. DD long commutes) to save the engine from spinning at 3k to keep freeway speeds. Some of us have been able to achieve a little "rubber overdrive" with bigger tires but the extra gearing would help. Like a couple of the guys said, if something were to happen to my 4sp (even something like the clutch going) I would probably take the opportunity to invest in the H55f as I highly doubt my engine will be kicking the bucket in this decade.