55 Rookie trans question

[Gonzo55]

My 74 FJ55 has a F1 motor with a 3 speed.I have a 4 speed complete from my 76 f2 donor and I am going to do a swap.Do I have to use the 4 speed bell housing or will my 3 speed work? I understand that I must use the 4 speed flywheel and clutch correct?

Another question is I been told that using the 3 speed transfer case on the 4 speed trans is the " way to go" what can I expect to gain or loose by doing this? Help

 

[nuclearlemon]

the 4 speed bellhousing, because it has the correct "peanut" cutout for the input bearing retainer

 

[Gonzo55]

Thanks, any ideas on the 3 speed transfer case being a benefit ?

 

[nuclearlemon]

Thanks, any ideas on the 3 speed transfer case being a benefit ?

it is slightly lower gearing, but is not a direct bolt in. weigh how you will wheel vs. the $150 or so you will need in parts to bolt it in

 

[3_puppies]

you can use the 3 speed flywheel and clutch with the 4 speed. the splines are the same.

you need to use all 3 speed stuff or all 4 speed stuff.....do not mix and match the clutch hardware.

you will need to remove the flywheel to change the bellhousing.

 

[PabloCruise]

it is slightly lower gearing, but is not a direct bolt in. weigh how you will wheel vs. the $150 or so you will need in parts to bolt it in

Ige, would his '74 already have that transition gear in place?
What else is required?

 

[Pighead]

The transition gear only came on the '74 late F and 4-speed combo transfer case...

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

for a non transition 4 speed(75 to 80 i think); 16 spline 31 tooth gear for the input and a spacer and bearing for behind that gear. for the fabled transition 4 speed(74) with the 10 spline output shaft, it will bolt right up. I hear the earlier castings are more brittle, but there is a bit more gear to them in the lo range. I have 3 speed gears in my 4 speed tcase and it was a bit of shimming to get it right. I think maybe the 3 speed case and gears might be a bit quieter due to their dimensions being meant for one and other(the 4 speed case and cluster are wider). hit up Orangefj45 for a tcase saver and the gear/spacer/bearing and run the 3 speed case. I think it's like 2.3 to 1 on the 3 speed case lo and 1.999 on the 4 speed cases.....