1996 HDJ81 transmission questions

[SleipnirTheHorse]

Hey all,

Just recently picked up a 1996 HDJ81 with a A442F with electronic O/D off button. I noticed my kickdown cable refuses to return to it's position. Cable moves freely in and out with no issues but refuses to move back in. Could the little bead that holds the cable in place in the transmission have fallen off? Is there a spring that returns the cable?

Currently, it's at LC Cruisers in ATX and they didn't give me the warm and fuzzies about JDM HDJ81's saying they had some things different than the rest of the HDJ80's. One thing that I wasn't sure was the kickdown cable being no longer produced. They mentioned the 1HD-FT being as 2 year run motor but I thought only the mechanical fuel injection was the only difference. Other things like the transmission and kickdown, cooling system and rear disk brakes were different on the 81 vs the 80.

I'd happily take some information on this from people with more experience than me.

 

[OGBeno]

1HD-FT engine was manufactured 1/1995-1/1998. 3 year production run.

Also, the cable is readily available new from Toyota: 35520-60060. It will need to be purchased from a non-US source.

The only thing different about owning a JDM is some parts need to come from abroad. Otherwise, it’s a Land Cruiser and 95% of the parts can be procured through your Toyota dealership or through specialty Land Cruiser parts suppliers in the US…

Oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, belts, radiator, fan clutch, water pump, timing belt components, hoses, etc., all available in the US.

 

[SleipnirTheHorse]

1HD-FT engine was manufactured 1/1995-1/1998. 3 year production run.

Also, the cable is readily available new from Toyota: 35520-60060. It will need to be purchased from a non-US source.

The only thing different about owning a JDM is some parts need to come from abroad. Otherwise, it’s a Land Cruiser and 95% of the parts can be procured through your Toyota dealership or through specialty Land Cruiser parts suppliers in the US…

Oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, belts, radiator, fan clutch, water pump, timing belt components, hoses, etc., all available in the US.

Fantastic response and that was my thought. Why couldn't I just source overseas but I was told a lot is discontinued. Again, that was the first time hearing that but the HDJ81 from what I understood was the Japanese market only. Wasn't sure if there were little nuances that could be an issue.

From my basic search, I was able to see replacing the cable is just time-consuming and messy. If the cable needs to be replaced, I think I feel competent enough to drop the valve body with the guidance of the FSM.

Being in Texas, does it make sense to add a trans cooler and change out the T-stat? From my research LC Cruisers was a good shop but sometimes had issues with answering the phone. They are the ones recommending the T-stat and trans cooler. They also offered to swap my JDM drop springs for stock springs and not charge labor either for the swap. I am not a fan of drop springs and might be a good excuse to get a taller lift.

 

[SleipnirTheHorse]

@OGBeno I just saw this post from you and this makes me think why he said the kickdown cable was discontinued. Probably switched information in his head.

35520-60140: Transmission kick down (throttle) cable.

A343F for 01/1995-01/1998 FZJ80 and LX450 versions.

Discontinued.

Credit: NLXTACY

Either way I'm ordering a few just in case these end up like the A343F

 

[OGBeno]

@OGBeno I just saw this post from you and this makes me think why he said the kickdown cable was discontinued. Probably switched information in his head.

35520-60140: Transmission kick down (throttle) cable.

A343F for 01/1995-01/1998 FZJ80 and LX450 versions.

Discontinued.

Credit: NLXTACY

Either way I'm ordering a few just in case these end up like the A343F

Ok. So, you have a JDM HDJ81. Again, I am providing you with true information. My information is factual and based on experience. IE: I know what I am talking about and I have replaced said cable before.

That truck is different than a US 1995-1997 FZJ80 in that they have a different transmission.

You have an A442F behind your 1HD-FT. **Not** an an A343F.

The information above is correct.

Don’t make bad decisions because of what you read here from 10-15 years ago when information about JDM trucks were nascent; or AI, or wherever you are getting your information.

If you don’t believe me, I will send you the cost of the part in actual money to actually back up what I am saying.

 

[SleipnirTheHorse]

Ok. So, you have a JDM HDJ81. Again, I am providing you with true information. My information is factual and based on experience. IE: I know what I am talking about and I have replaced said cable before.

That truck is different than a US 1995-1997 FZJ80 in that they have a different transmission.

You have an A442F behind your 1HD-FT. **Not** an an A343F.

My information above is correct.

Don’t make bad decisions because of what you read here from 10-15 years ago when information about JDM trucks were nascent; or AI, or wherever you are getting your information.

If you don’t believe me, I will send you the cost of the part in actual money to actually back up what I am saying.

I don’t BS when it comes to part numbers.

Please trust me when I provide part numbers. I’m providing factual information for your situation.

I do this for a living.

I understand and was not trying to come off as combative. I appreciate your knowledge and saw the mod tag so I felt confindent in your original reply from the start. Nothing from your initial reply made me doubt that info.

I mentioned you said the A343F kickdown cable was discontinued and made the connection why LC Cruisers might have said the proper cable that you provided the part number to was discontinued. Not try to be a know it all here or question you but trying to give them the benefit of the doubt. People make mistakes and so do I.

Thank you again for the advice and no I don't use AI or 10-15 year threads for information without understanding that information is likey outdated. I like to think I got that silly newbie stuff our when I joined TW many years ago. I try to use the search function like every other forum I participate in before making a post asking for help from knowledgeable people like yourself. Destroying a vehicle isn't my intention and just like you said I'm just trying to make sure I have my info in order before doing something stupid. I want this thing to run forever so doing it right is my concern.

 

[OGBeno]

Sick. Good work dude.

My information above is good for your truck. You don’t have to question it. I will put money on it.

Keep on trucking with your HDJ81. It’s the pinnacle of 80 series. Especially with that power plant. An incredibly great engine.

Too bad they put slush boxes behind it,

 

[ikarus]

Start looking through the parts diagrams at a place like Amayama or Partsouq:

Amayama.com

PartSouq Auto Parts Around the World

We present to your attention our wide range of quality auto parts for many brands of cars. Our genuine parts catalogs and search by part number will help you!

partsouq.com

You can either input your VIN number or figure out which model you have and go from there.

For example my 97 HDJ81 is a HDJ81V-RNPGW, probably similar to yours. It'll take some time learning how the parts catalog works since it isn't 100% intuitive all the time, but you'll get the hang of it.

Here's the schematic with the kick-down cable: Amayama.com - https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-catalogs/epc/toyota-japan/land_cruiser/HDJ81V/107436/chassis/3513

I would definitely recommend DIYing as much as you can. I've had mine for a few years and never taken it to a mechanic. Unless you have a local trustworthy shop that really knows imported land cruisers (and there are only a handful of shops like that in the US,) you're going to save a lot of money and headaches figuring it out yourself and understanding the ins and outs of the cruiser.

Sounds like you already have an FSM but here's the resources section in case you don't know about it:

80-series

FJ80, FZJ80 and related models

forum.ih8mud.com

The diesel section isn't nearly as busy as the 80 Series section but you'll probably find most of your answers there:

Diesel Tech / 24 volts

BJ/HJ diesels (3B, 13BT, 1KZ, 1HZ, 1PZ, etc) and other diesel conversions (ie: Isuzu, Hino, 4BT, 6BT, etc)

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[SleipnirTheHorse]

Start looking through the parts diagrams at a place like Amayama or Partsouq:

Amayama.com

PartSouq Auto Parts Around the World

We present to your attention our wide range of quality auto parts for many brands of cars. Our genuine parts catalogs and search by part number will help you!

partsouq.com

You can either input your VIN number or figure out which model you have and go from there.

For example my 97 HDJ81 is a HDJ81V-RNPGW, probably similar to yours. It'll take some time learning how the parts catalog works since it isn't 100% intuitive all the time, but you'll get the hang of it.

Here's the schematic with the kick-down cable: Amayama.com - https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-catalogs/epc/toyota-japan/land_cruiser/HDJ81V/107436/chassis/3513

I would definitely recommend DIYing as much as you can. I've had mine for a few years and never taken it to a mechanic. Unless you have a local trustworthy shop that really knows imported land cruisers (and there are only a handful of shops like that in the US,) you're going to save a lot of money and headaches figuring it out yourself and understanding the ins and outs of the cruiser.

Sounds like you already have an FSM but here's the resources section in case you don't know about it:

80-series

FJ80, FZJ80 and related models

forum.ih8mud.com

The diesel section isn't nearly as busy as the 80 Series section but you'll probably find most of your answers there:

Diesel Tech / 24 volts

BJ/HJ diesels (3B, 13BT, 1KZ, 1HZ, 1PZ, etc) and other diesel conversions (ie: Isuzu, Hino, 4BT, 6BT, etc)

forum.ih8mud.com

Thanks y'all. I looked up the vin and sure enough mine is the same one.

Market Japan

Year 02/1996

Make TOYOTA

Model LAND CRUISER

Frame HDJ81

Vehicle characteristics

GRADE:	VXL:	VX LIMITED TYPE
DESTINATION:	JPN:	JAPAN
BODY:	VAN:	VAN
ENGINE:	1HDFT:	4200CC DIESEL TURBO
FUEL SYSTEM:	TD4:	TURBO DIESEL 4 VALVE
TRANSMISSION:	ATM:	AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
BACK DOOR:	LUB:	LIFT UP BACK DOOR
COLOR CODE:	6M1
TRIM CODE:

VIN*	Model code	From	To	Frame		Characteristics
079220519..	HDJ81V-RNPGW	01/1995 -	12/1997	HDJ81	VXL	JPN	VAN	1HDFT	TD4	ATM	LUB

I'll call LC crusiers in a couple hours to see how they made out but I feel even better with this purchase. Just need to stock up on parts.

 

[SleipnirTheHorse]

LC crusiers was able to free the cable up and lube it. They highly recommend getting the kickdown cable and they would charge about 2 hours to swap it. Inner axle seals looked great and they got the front diff resealed.

Going to pick it up in the next half hour and see how it feels.

 

[bottombracket]

Come hang out. I speak a little diesel but not slush box transmissions. I'm out in Bee Cave.

 

[SleipnirTheHorse]

Come hang out. I speak a little diesel but not slush box transmissions. I'm out in Bee Cave.

I'm actually farther south than even Buda but when I make it up to again Austin I'll shoot you a DM

 

[SleipnirTheHorse]

Drove the truck home and the trans feels way better. Checked the cable when I got home and was in the proper position.

Seal for the diff was done with no complaints. There were a couple things that could be taken care but nothing that would be immediate concerns. They also looked over the truck and were impressed it was well taken care of too. @Prime thank you again!

 

[Beach80]

If you do end up replacing your kickdown cable, when you drop your transmission pan, go ahead and replace your shift solenoids. Cobra Transmission is where I got mine.