4 to 5 speed swap advice

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tomcolins

tomcolins

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Threads
36
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185
Location
Marfa, Texas
2ndGenToyotaFan said:
The G59 trans came on early 90's 4 cylinders with the ADD front axle, and has a chain driven transfer case. That's the one you don't want...

G52 came behind the 22R and the G54 is just a heavy duty (beefy bearings) version of the 52 I believe...
Click to expand...

Been looking around on here trying to suss out differences in trannys (transmissions, not sexual ambiguity; a whole 'nother post). And leaving men in dresses out, I'd say I'm still a bit confused.

I have an '80 with a 20R and a cast iron 4 speed box. Works like a charm and low miles on the gearbox, but I'd like to get some reduction in RPM at highway speeds without sacrificing the durability of the box that's in there now.

I have read elsewhere that the early 5 speeds 81-83 ? are no bueno... is this so? and what then is preferable? Bolt in swap is best....

I'll be looking around behind barns and such most likely, so years / models most likely to contain such gearboxes are a very helpful hint. I am not in a hurry, just want to get the search rolling.


suggestions?
 
Best 5-speed is the R151F that they put in the turbo trucks. But, limited batch, only '86 & '87 years, they are extremely hard to find now. Somebody here is selling one, might want to check the parts for sale section.

Next best is the W56. I have one... actually TWO spares sitting here, both 87's, dying to get rid of both of them, they are in the friggin' way. Wish you were closer.
 
rule of thumb is, if it's got a 1 piece bell housing... stay away from it...

that and the G59. Anything else I don't think you'll have a problem with b/c the rating is higher than the HP your engine puts out....


edit... and a R150 4 cyl bell housing is not as hard to find as a R151 tranny b/c the Turbo 2Wd trucks had the R150 tranny and not the R151 everyone associates with a Turbo truck...

That bellhousing will get you a "Heavy Duty" V6 tranny, but unless you convert the transfercase, (which you can) then you will have a chain driven TC... Upsides are they're light and slightly lower ratio then the geared one, but there is little to no aftermarket on it....
 
KLF said:
Best 5-speed is the R151F that they put in the turbo trucks. But, limited batch, only '86 & '87 years, they are extremely hard to find now. Somebody here is selling one, might want to check the parts for sale section.

Next best is the W56. I have one... actually TWO spares sitting here, both 87's, dying to get rid of both of them, they are in the friggin' way. Wish you were closer.
Click to expand...

Too Bad I'm not in NH. I would take you up on that. My mom lives in Maine, so if I ever make good on my promises to visit... maybe I'll look you up and see if you still got em? 'Course a trip that long would be better WITH the 5 speed IN the truck not in the back of the truck... I spent a lot of time in New England and NH in particular as a teenager, it'd be a cool excuse for a trip up into the White Mts again...


Thanks for the advice!
 
Hilux said:
edit... and a R150 4 cyl bell housing is not as hard to find as a R151 tranny b/c the Turbo 2Wd trucks had the R150 tranny and not the R151 everyone associates with a Turbo truck...
Click to expand...

So... 2wd tranny (R150) is an option? Turbo gas not Diesel, no? Maybe a stupid question... Not nearly as well versed in all the variants / options.

I think I prefer something that'd work with my motor / T-case setup just for ease of swap... Unless there's some big, cool reason why not...

Didn't know about 2 piece vs. one piece bellhousings. Thanks.

I kinda have an old Willys with a Spicer case w. a blank for PTO / Overdrive unit. I really wish there was such a simple option for the Toyotas, but I guess it is not so. Been looking around Advance Adapters and such, but mostly crawler boxes, and the Ranger, but it looks like it is for LCs only? and it costs $1,500 bucks... so... who knows? It was an idea. But I don't see anyone on the minitruck forum yacking about overdrives...
 
Turbo 2WD means 22RTE... With that bellhousing you can bolt on a V6 tranny/ TC... The R150. But it WILL have a chain driven case...

I simply said that as a source to get a bellhousing... sorry for the confusion...

An R151 has the low 1st gear, and the 23 spline GEAR DRIVEN TC.

You can buy all the stuff from Marlin to convert it to a R151... but IMO, I'd rather buy another truck.

An R150 is the same Heavy Duty R series trans, but it's a standard 1st gear and chain driven case. If it's in a 4WD.
 
Hilux said:
You can buy all the stuff from Marlin to convert it to a R151... but IMO, I'd rather buy another truck.
Click to expand...


I hear you on that one. Maybe it would have some useable interior bits, or some one-ton springs.... Or a rust free bed, or a diesel with 22,000 miles on it. (which it seems is an impossible match) But in truth, it sounds like the R151 is hard enough to find on its own.

I think I'm solid sold on the gear driven case... Makes me feel warm inside.
 
Did your swap years ago. Had and '80 w/L43, 4spd side loader, and swapped in a W56. You'll need to make room in the trans tunnel for shifters. Trans Xmbr will need to modified or moved, no way around that. Drive shafts too.

Mine has held up for close to 20 years, 10 of which have been behind a 4.3L GM V6. Happiness!
 
See this on CL in NM. Not too far from me. Would have a r151 in it, yes? being an '86 4x4 5 speed...

1986 Toyota 4x4 Reg. Cab Pickup

Wrote the guy and haven't heard back, but it's still up so maybe he has it still? Kinda don't want to tow that allaway down here. Maybe someone on here in the Albuquerque are would be interested in parting it out w. me? All I want is the trans. Maybe someone is into that? If not Maybe just a heads up on a cheapish truck. It'd be nice not to lose out on the 5speed though.
 
That truck has the tell-tale turbo grille, so it's likely it does have an R151F. If you go look at it, make sure you crawl underneath and look for the big rubber plug in the bottom of the bellhousing. If it's there, then it is indeed the Holy Grail of mini-truck trannies.
 
and count the TC bolts...

with PO's you NEVER know... Maybe the original went bad he found out a V6 tranny would fit.

Count the # of bolts on the TC...

Let me see if I can find you a link...


Chain is 5 and gear is 7, right Mud?

scroll on down to TC... I can NEVER find any tech on Marlins site... just parts...

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/faq/parts/

"Can be identified by the 7 bolt rear cover."

"Can be identified by the 5 bolt rear cover."
 
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That's all great info. Thanks. If only the guy listing the truck were as responsive.
Can't get a reply to any emails. He's either sold it, lazy or doesn't understand the internet... Craigslist is a drag.

Anyone in Albuquerque want to try to scout this out?

assuming I can get a reply?


It would be cool to get a hold of it... I'll keep you all posted.
 
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