72 3 speed

[72LC]

First post! me.

Can I drop in a 4 speed? I am purchasing a 72 fj40 this weekend. It has a 3 speed. Everyone says 3 speed is no good for wheelin. I have no idea since I have only had a 5 speed suzuki samurai(which I am selling) and most people tell me to get a 4 speed.

Opinions on 3 speed for wheelin and 4 speed swap in a 72? Thanks



PS this is the first of many questions .

 

[John Smith]

First post! me.

Can I drop in a 4 speed? I am purchasing a 72 fj40 this weekend. It has a 3 speed. Everyone says 3 speed is no good for wheelin. I have no idea since I have only had a 5 speed suzuki samurai(which I am selling) and most people tell me to get a 4 speed.

Opinions on 3 speed for wheelin and 4 speed swap in a 72? Thanks



PS this is the first of many questions .

Welcome to Mud! Yes, you can swap in a 4 speed but depending on the type of wheeling you want to do that buys you nothing except a synchronized transmission which is reason enough for me to swap one in. Start your education here. https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...uestions-***-f-q-***-updated-28-jul-09-a.html

 

[Magnum44]

I agree with the above. The 1st cruiser I restored I kept the 3 speed and had no problems. It was original from 1965 and had survived constant 4 wheeling it's entire life and still had plenty after I purchased it. People might tell you to drop a 350 SBC in it too but many guys on here run the standard F or 2F 6 with no problems so don't believe everything you hear, it's all a matter of preference.

 

[centerlineseal]

I ran my '72 with the stock 3-speed and transfer case for about 300,000 miles and two SBCs and wheeled the hell out of it. It'll do. However, as we had to basically rebuild the whole rig and 2nd gear was gone, the 3-speed went in the ash heep and the 5-speed went in.

I may be mistaken, but you might have to go to a different transfer case (splitcase) if you go with the Toyota 4-speed.

Read a lot on MUD before you get too antsy!

 

[72LC]

Start your education here. https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...uestions-***-f-q-***-updated-28-jul-09-a.html

I was on that exact link for about 3 hours checking all the faq stuff. I suppose I missed it. I will give the 3 speed a shot and see how I like it first. I was mainly curious if it could be done w/o too much hassle.

Thanks for the welcomes and the advice. I am sure I will be spending a whole lot of time on here reading up. Lots of knowledge here that I lack

Thanks again, the quick replies are much appreciated.

edit: Wow I just skimmed the surface of the FAQ. It will be a while before I have a question, seems just about everything is already answered =)

 

[Dusty 66]

You can go with a 4 speed and keep the original 3spd Transfer case and gain some lower gearing too MARK'S OF ROAD has a Kit It's an EZ install and free advice good luck

 

[PatFJ40]

I have a 71 that I did the swap on. You can use the three speed t-case but you will have to get the new gear for the t-case. 3-speed has a ten spline output and the four speed has a sixteen spline. I got my kit from jt-outfitters and it doesn't come with the spacer needed to take the space when you remove the pto output gear. You will also need longer bolts to mate the t-case to the trans. I used the three speed flywheel, clutch, slave and fork and have had no problems. You will have to do driveline work too because the four speed is four inches longer. Hope that helps.