283 V8 + Chevy T5 = what to do? (1 Viewer)

[Get outside]

Hey every one? Here is my dilemma! I read a bunch about the h55 swaps out there and always see the comments regarding the cost of the gearbox and everything else that comes with doing a swap!

I have a 283 in my 40 with the 4 speed box behind it! I didn't put it in, got the truck with it in there already.

I always feel like I'm missing that last gear option to let the motor go! It is a very healthy engine! So, I have been thinking since I already have the Chevy V8 there, why not mate it with a Chevy 5 speed (which cost significantly less then the h55) and just maybe, it may end up being an easier mating?!?

Have anybody done a T5 into their cruisers? Which one have you used? What kind of issues am I gonna face?

Any help and advice is appreciated! (and pics)

 

[DSRTRDR]

I have the same impulse to shift into 5 (since I own/ed other 5-spd vehicles) - even after 7 years of owning the truck

I have a H55 on the shelf, but it will make to a 2F - sorry, no help for you, I know

good luck with your project

 

[inkpot]

The T5 specs out at over 24 inches long. That is twice as long as the NV4500 which is also available as a direct bolt up for the Chevy v8. This would make the total driveline way too long to leave room for a decent sized rear drive shaft. John

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

AFAIK the light-duty GM five speed is a NV3550. Unfortunately I am not aware of any adapters for the 3550 to a Land Cruiser t-case.

The NV4500 is a heavy-duty five speed, with a low ("granny") first gear ratio, and over-drive fifth gear.

Regards,

Alan

 

[Get outside]

Thanks guys! This is getting interesting!

Does the h55 bolts right to the stock t-case or is there some adapter sandwiched in between?

Also, is it the same length as the stock 4speed?

I can see in my truck when they did the V8 swap they also moved everything forward because the sticks for gear box and t-case are not in the original position (comparing to the openings in the transmission cover)!

Maybe, just maybe a longer box wouldn't matter much since things have been moved forward!

Any thoughts?

 

[inkpot]

The H55F bolts up directly to a split transfer case. Most 40's have an H43 4 speed with a solid one piece transfer case. The H55F is about 4" longer than the H42, so a swap would likely require adjusting driveshaft lengths. It MIGHT put the shifters back pretty close to the original position. The H55F top plate has a much taller profile than the 4 speed, so mods to the floor hump are in order. Before you get too committed to a swap, make sure you even have a Toyota 4 speed. I have seen a number of swaps done with the old Chevy sedan type units, like the Borg Warner T-10. John

 

[Mateu5]

I have the same impulse to shift into 5 (since I own/ed other 5-spd vehicles) - even after 7 years of owning the truck

I have a H55 on the shelf, but it will make to a 2F - sorry, no help for you, I know

good luck with your project

Hey mate where are you situated, I'm chasing an h55 for my 2f, cheers

 

[Get outside]

The H55F bolts up directly to a split transfer case. Most 40's have an H43 4 speed with a solid one piece transfer case. The H55F is about 4" longer than the H42, so a swap would likely require adjusting driveshaft lengths. It MIGHT put the shifters back pretty close to the original position. The H55F top plate has a much taller profile than the 4 speed, so mods to the floor hump are in order. Before you get too committed to a swap, make sure you even have a Toyota 4 speed. I have seen a number of swaps done with the old Chevy sedan type units, like the Borg Warner T-10. John

Thanks John, that's good info right there! I'm gonna look for clues on those numbers tonight but I'm pretty much sure it's the Toyota 4 box in there!

What vehicles came with the h55 and how do they hold up behind a v8?
I mean, my engine is not that big by I was just curious to know!

 

[bikersmurf]

Or... 33s and 3.70 gears for a 25% overdrive with the four speed.

Works well w/350... Although starting in 2nd isn't the norm now.

 

[Get outside]

Was just checking eBay to have an idea of price and nv4500 goes at almost what the h55 cost!

 

[Tigerstripe40]

You can get a new H55 from one of the toyota vendors on this board for about $2100 + shipping.
You would then need the shifter, and a split case from a later FJ60. You would also need to figure out a parking brake and cross member

You can get a re-manufactured NV4500 from AA for about $2095 + shipping. You would then need to get the appropriate bellhousing to your GM transmission, and an adapter from the transmission to the t-case you have.

In both cases, you will need to get a new clutch set and modify driveshafts.

In the end, its probably a wash between the 2 different transmissions cost wise.

 

[Sharp38]

Don't ignore the option of putting the ranger OD from Advance Adapters between your bell housing and the stock 4 spd tranny. Moves your gear shift back to approximately the original location. You probably don't have to get any more adapters as you can order it for the LC 4spd (which you have already adapted to your V8 engine. You will have to do drive shaft work. Plus, nice advantage of having OD in every gear. I find that pretty handy off road. All for about $1,500 or so.

Don

 

[Get outside]

Don't ignore the option of putting the ranger OD from Advance Adapters between your bell housing and the stock 4 spd tranny. Moves your gear shift back to approximately the original location. You probably don't have to get any more adapters as you can order it for the LC 4spd (which you have already adapted to your V8 engine. You will have to do drive shaft work. Plus, nice advantage of having OD in every gear. I find that pretty handy off road. All for about $1,500 or so.

Don

Thanks for the input Don! I just went to their site and checked it out, very interesting option!
I'm just trying to wrap my head around how it all works together when you have the overdrive in front of the gearbox and how exactly would you be shifting that up and down!?!



$1,520

 

[lrowe_csp]

Thanks John, that's good info right there! I'm gonna look for clues on those numbers tonight but I'm pretty much sure it's the Toyota 4 box in there!

What vehicles came with the h55 and how do they hold up behind a v8?
I mean, my engine is not that big by I was just curious to know!

I have an H55F behind a 383, and a later model transfer case out of a 60 series. My 383 should be right around 400 lbs of torque at the crank, and I have not had any problems with the transmission.

 

[Bret]

Ditto to what Irowe said, running a 383 pushing into the 400 ftlb arena. So it has taken a good bit of abuse and is still doing fine. Gets DD quite a bit as well. I have stopped doing 2nd gear burnouts just in case though .

 

[handcannon]

Thanks for the input Don! I just went to their site and checked it out, very interesting option!
I'm just trying to wrap my head around how it all works together when you have the overdrive in front of the gearbox and how exactly would you be shifting that up and down!?!

View attachment 682357

$1,520

In normal DD type of driving just shift through the four speed as usual with the Ranger in low (1:1). When you get on the highway and feel the need for an overdrive then shift the Ranger into high and you've got overdrive.

You can split shift when driving slow (in town or ?). An example could be if in 2nd gear and Ranger in 1:1 and RPMs are too high and 3rd lugs too much, then shift the Ranger to high and keep the tranny in 2nd. This will give you a gear between normal 2nd and 3rd. This can be done with any gear, 1st through 4th, for a total of eight forward gears and two reverse gears. Then, throw in 4Low.

Don