'84 FJ60 5 speed options

[Skilter]

First time poster... just registered. This forum is great! I have been surfing it the last several nights. I searched on this topic, but did not come across anything concrete so here goes...

I have a 84 FJ60 with 165K miles on it. I am looking for 5 speed options for a little easier top end highway speed to get to the hunting lease. The engine is good and I just had the gasket and manifolds replace so I really don't want to sell the FJ60.

Since it is an 84 and not an 85, I don't think there is a bolt on mod for me. Am I wrong here? What are my options and what should it cost me? This is not a project I feel I could take on by myself.

Thanks in advance...
andy

 

[Mike S]

Most FJ 60 owners opt for the Toyota H55F 5 speed transmission. This provides a slightly lower low gear, which is great for trails, and an overdrive of about 17%. I have made the switch with my 60, and it is avast improvement, I can roll at about 70 MPH at 2500 RPM on the tach.

This swap is a bolt in for later FJ60's (late '85 to '87), and will require modification of the drive shafts on an earlier model. Cost for the transmission - new - is about $2000. While you are at it, rebuild the transfercase, and put in an entire new clutch assembly, since the cost is not much once you have everything apart. Any good cruiser mechanic can get this done for you.

Be aware that you want a "Gas engine" H55F, not a Diesel model, since the input shafts are different.

There are several write ups on this on this site go HERE and ascroll down to the section entitled "Transmissions" and you will see a number of links. This has exactly what you are looking for.

Others have used the NV4500 5 speed which is used in DOdge and Chevy trucks. This is a good transmission, but requires more work and expense, tho' the actual transmission is probably less money.

You will like this modification.

Mike S

 

[devo]

I used the H55f in my '84 60 for years. I can say this was the single best upgrade I have ever done to my LC.
I would caution against buying the used rebuilt units that are out there and advertised by various vendors. I did the first time and the tranny hardly lasted a year before turning to junk.
I bought a new one through my local Toyota dealer. Have the dealer look the part # up under the HJ60.
Your t-case will bolt right up and the drive shaft mods are easy. There is something about the shifter going from the 4spd to 5 but I can't think of it know.
devo

 

[cruiseroutfit]

... There is something about the shifter going from the 4spd to 5 but I can't think of it know.
devo

The transmission shifters are different for the 4 & 5 speed... make sure to order one with your 5 speed. The 4 speed is a flat shaped shifter (on the bottom), the 5 speed uses a round pin with a bushing...

And ditto the comments on buying new... go with a brand new one, we had several "refurb'd" units fail on us after a short time. H55F's are a great tranny, but they are VERY costly to rebuild.

 

[paulj]

Skilter;
Are you planning on doing it yourself or having it done? It's my understanding that if you have this upgrade done by a competant Cruiser mechanic the cost is likely to by north of $3,500. I think in lieu of having your driveshafts modified you can simply install driveshafts from later model 60 series trucks, which are available from vendors such as SOR for $$$. I'm guessing salvage ones would be pretty hard to come by. I'm probably rambling here, but a while back I saw a 62 in a salvage yard I passed by but didn't have time to ask about. By the time I got back there they told me they crushed it because they only deal with American trucks. Ouch!

 

[photogod]

Before I did mine I got a good bid from a fleet gearhead for 700 for the tranny swap so it can be had for less than 3500. Toyota's price for the swap was only 1500. Get some used drive shafts and put them in yourself as it is a one banana job. Don't forget the oiler cup for the fifth gear and the plug for the open bolt hole in the tansfer case when you do the swap. Oiler is very important!

 

[Skilter]

Thanks for all the comments guys... I am really on the fence here. Should I Keep my nice 60 with a good strong 2F and install the 5 speed or just go look for a FJ40 with a SBC in it? Thanks again for all the tips.

I could not do this myself. I have figured on $3000-$3500, but then that is almost halfway to a decent FJ40.

Ugh...
andy

 

[Sloan]

I have a 40 and a 60 and the 40 while it is better for wheelin, it is very limited on space. Go to your local Toyota dealership and get an oil change. This puts you on their mailing list, and I don't know where you arebut my local dealer sends me these 20% off coupons for parts over $200 and discounts on labor.

 

[Mike S]

Thanks for all the comments guys... I am really on the fence here. Should I Keep my nice 60 with a good strong 2F and install the 5 speed or just go look for a FJ40 with a SBC in it? Thanks again for all the tips.

I could not do this myself. I have figured on $3000-$3500, but then that is almost halfway to a decent FJ40.

Ugh...
andy

Skilter - Hard for anyone to tell you which is best for you. I have owned both an FJ40 (bought new and driven 140,000 miles), and my current FJ60 - which I bought little over a year ago. I liked the 40 a lot, but I like the 60 better. I am NOT a hard core rock wheeler, but like to drive ANYWHERE in the western US. The 60 has more room (for the dogs), more comfort, and wheels really nice.

I REALLY LIKE STOCK TOYOTAS. There is nobody better at building Labndcruisers than Toyota, and the 2F engine will last nearly forever. The 5 speed makes it very nice on the hoghway.

I believe you can get the new H55F tranny bought and installed within your budget.

Mike S

 

[dd113]

Go for it! The best possible situation is a new H55F and a rebuilt later model transfer with the larger shaft. Used TC should cost around $500, H55F new around 2k, new clutch, to etc... around $300, rear main oil seal $30, driveshaft mods abiut $100 ea with new joints. I charge $3550 to do it and if you do it yourself you should be out the door for around $2700.

 

[freightdog]

I have the NV4500 in my 84 Cruiser - if you are near Flagstaff - The Tranny Man does a nice swap -

Jeff

 

[pasnkhunter]

Go for the H55f 5sp. swap. cruiserparts.net has them,new, for $1850, includes shipping. They could also supply 85-87 driveshafts if you didn't want to have yours modified, could then just sell off parts leftover to help offset cost of swap.

 

[Nashville FJ60]

First time poster... just registered. This forum is great! I have been surfing it the last several nights. I searched on this topic, but did not come across anything concrete so here goes...

I have a 84 FJ60 with 165K miles on it. I am looking for 5 speed options for a little easier top end highway speed to get to the hunting lease. The engine is good and I just had the gasket and manifolds replace so I really don't want to sell the FJ60.

Since it is an 84 and not an 85, I don't think there is a bolt on mod for me. Am I wrong here? What are my options and what should it cost me? This is not a project I feel I could take on by myself.

Thanks in advance...
andy

First time poster... just registered. This forum is great! I have been surfing it the last several nights. I searched on this topic, but did not come across anything concrete so here goes...

I have a 84 FJ60 with 165K miles on it. I am looking for 5 speed options for a little easier top end highway speed to get to the hunting lease. The engine is good and I just had the gasket and manifolds replace so I really don't want to sell the FJ60.

Since it is an 84 and not an 85, I don't think there is a bolt on mod for me. Am I wrong here? What are my options and what should it cost me? This is not a project I feel I could take on by myself.

Thanks in advance...
andy

I have an almost identical 84 FJ60 with now 160k on it, 1 owner. A few years ago I had a mechanic put in the 5-speed H55f including drive shaft modification, and it has been great, concur with another poster who referenced 70mph at 2500rpms. But recently I realized I could only get 4wd in Lo, it won’t physically let me go up into Hi. Does this make sense? I’ve moved on to a new mechanic who I can ask to assess, but does anyone know of a reason why the swap would prohibit 4wd Hi? Thanks in advance.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I have an almost identical 84 FJ60 with now 160k on it, 1 owner. A few years ago I had a mechanic put in the 5-speed H55f including drive shaft modification, and it has been great, concur with another poster who referenced 70mph at 2500rpms. But recently I realized I could only get 4wd in Lo, it won’t physically let me go up into Hi. Does this make sense? I’ve moved on to a new mechanic who I can ask to assess, but does anyone know of a reason why the swap would prohibit 4wd Hi? Thanks in advance.

I would take a close look at the linkage for the transfer case. It would have been modified or replaced when the five speed conversion was done and may not be set up correctly. This is the H4 - N - L4 linkage