What are the pros and cons of 3 and 4 speeds? Thinking of someday changing my transmission.
Thanks
Thanks
3 speed or 4 speed: Pro's and cons
- Thread starter ColonelMustard
- Start date
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Having driven both, I can find no compelling reason to run a 3 speed beyond the fact that it is what came stock in the truck. If you are going for a "factory stock" restoration you will want to keep the 3 speed.
i love the 3speed,its like driving a auto
The only reason I'm keeping my 3 speed is because I can't bear to give up my column shift just yet. I love the 3-on-the-tree. The other nice thing is the open floor space with it. However, when this tranny goes out, I'm definitely going with a 4 speed (possibly 5 spd if I have the money).
4 speeds are much more user friendly in terms of driveablity than the 3 speed. If you are choosing one, there is no reason to put in a 3 speed unless do a full/factory correct resto.
Good luck!
4 speeds are much more user friendly in terms of driveablity than the 3 speed. If you are choosing one, there is no reason to put in a 3 speed unless do a full/factory correct resto.
Good luck!
3spd: keeps the column shift, is short, and light enough to bench press if so needed. I has a horrible high first gear, but makes a great boat anchor
4spd: it's a car transmission, close ratio and very reliable.
If you swap you need to adress the transfercase and driveshafts.
4spd: it's a car transmission, close ratio and very reliable.
If you swap you need to adress the transfercase and driveshafts.
- Thread starter
- #6
Would I need to get another "advanced adaptors" kit so the 4 would fit the 350V?, or would the current one I have for the 3 still work?
no, same kit, but different bell housing (unless the bellhousing is the kit)
The bolt patterns are different for the 3 and 4 spd.
The bolt patterns are different for the 3 and 4 spd.
You could git a 4spd from OZ. Then you would have a really low first gear.
Seth
Seth
- Thread starter
- #10
Excuse my ignorance, but what do you mean by its like driving an auto?
A 3 speed with the V-8 is the WORST possible combo. Really hard on the powertrain. Lots o weight on the axles, lots of inertia, lots o power to overcome the inertia, but no gearing to make it happen easily. Lower gears would help a LOT.
I have driven a 3 on the tree for the last 12 years, but finally put a 4 speed in last weekend. Of course, now I wonder why I waited! Yeah it was cool and retro fun, but that's not your story with a V-8
To really answer your question, you need to have a goal. 4spd for highway driving and fire trails. 4 speed for a little highway driving and some heavier trails. Very little highway and serious off road.
It makes a difference in tranny choices.
Best
Mark A.
I have driven a 3 on the tree for the last 12 years, but finally put a 4 speed in last weekend. Of course, now I wonder why I waited! Yeah it was cool and retro fun, but that's not your story with a V-8
To really answer your question, you need to have a goal. 4spd for highway driving and fire trails. 4 speed for a little highway driving and some heavier trails. Very little highway and serious off road.
It makes a difference in tranny choices.
Best
Mark A.
There are NO "Pros" for the 3 speed.
It's too heavy to use as a paperweight and too light to use as a dog tie out.
It's not good for a damn thing.
Mark...
It's too heavy to use as a paperweight and too light to use as a dog tie out.
It's not good for a damn thing.
Mark...
- Thread starter
- #13
Thanks for the answers. There is another FJ40 owner who has a four speed tranny he is willing to sell me for $150. What make? I don't know, but will ask tommorrow and post the make so some of you more experienced gear heads can help me decide as whether I should buy it or not.
M
M
Not pickin on ya, but do you just want us to tell you what we think of his tranny, or what kind of tranny you should prolly be looking for based on YOUR intended use?
Best
Mark A.
- Thread starter
- #15
The usage of the vehicle will be 50% trails / 25% around town / 25% non extreme rock crawling like at the rubicon ("Gate Keeper" -like rock trails, but not extremes like the little and big sluce box). I have only gone through there with ATV's. It will only be towed on the highways. Let me know what you think? Thanks.
i would pick up either a sm465 or a H41 and call it good.
I'd second the H41 if you were gonna stay with 33s. If you see yourself ending up with 35s or more, you'll get more gearing for those tires out of a Muncie without having to spend 'bank' on an Orion.
FIrst gear crawl would be ower. But the spacing of the SM465 is awful. And you normally drive it like a three speed. A really wide ratio three speed at that. First gear is pretty useless for anything but crawling.
Mark...
Mark...
73fj
Tho at sumbitch in ayer!
I wish I coulda found a sm 420 for mine, a 465 really is a 3 spd, and a bitch to get into 2nd if your moving, or bogged down in 3rd low running outta rev's.
A 465 is synchro'd in the top three gears. The 420 is too. Other than 1st (or "low" if you prefer) it should not be *too* difficult to get into gear. But the 420 shifts pretty much like the 465. Maybe a little worse actually. 
Mark...
Mark...