Automatic Tranny swap

[Bull22]

I have a 74 FJ40 with the stock 4 speed and F motor. The clutch is now shot and instead of replacing the clutch I want to change the tranny. I would like to change over to automatic. I am assuming the th350 is the way to go. Correct me if I am wrong... (On a budget remember nothing fancy).

What parts would I need to do this swap? I know that I would need a custom drive shaft and a new crossmember.

Which th350 would I need. I was told there are many different styles (like what would it have to come out of?)

I might also change the transfer case to a dana 300 (so I can twin stick). Any insight on this.

Please help.. Thanks

 

[Gumby]

You can twin stick a Toyota, there's just not much reason to. It's easy to modify for 2WL.

There's a good thread going on in the hardcore corner with much of the info I think you're looking for.

I would, (and did) go 350/Th400/NP203/AA plate adapter/Toyota case, but the driveline is way short with stock suspension. A major move front and rearward with the axles is a must.

 

[Bull22]

Suspension

I forgot to mention my suspension isnt stock. I am running a 4 inch bds susp lift, and going to put lift shackles on it also. (once I put my new locked, disc braked, long fielded axel under it).

 

[orangefj45]

did you say you're running the stock 6 cyl?!

gonna ba kinda tough to do an automatic conversion on that even if you'd run the later model cruiser auto (fj62 or fj80 transmissions).

 

[Bull22]

Why would it be difficult with the stock six cyl. And I am looking to run a th350?

 

[orangefj45]

how will you bolt the th350 to the cruiser 6 cylinder engine?

 

[Bull22]

Thats why I posted here... Looking for ideas. Might be an adapter out there. looking for info...

 

[orangefj45]

the easier way to handle it would be to find an adapter to mate a gm transmission to the stock cruiser 6 cyl. i would contact vendors like downey and AA to see if there's something available that they know of. i have never seen that setup before and do not know if it exists, but i thought i had heard about somebody who was running a th700 behind a 2f.
the other option, and it would entail more work as far as figuring things out goes, would be to mount a AW440 or AW442 (later model toyota automatics from fj62 and fj80s) hehind the early 6 cyl engine. it would be more difficult because these transmissions are solenoid shifted (computer controlled) versus the mechanical controlls on the gm autos.

 

[Rice]

I have a 74 FJ40 with the stock 4 speed and F motor. The clutch is now shot and instead of replacing the clutch I want to change the tranny. I would like to change over to automatic. I am assuming the th350 is the way to go. Correct me if I am wrong... (On a budget remember nothing fancy).

What parts would I need to do this swap? I know that I would need a custom drive shaft and a new crossmember.

Which th350 would I need. I was told there are many different styles (like what would it have to come out of?)

I might also change the transfer case to a dana 300 (so I can twin stick). Any insight on this.

Please help.. Thanks

With an F engine and a budget there is no "cheap" way to get a TH350 in there even if such a conversion existed. As Orange mentioned, I've never seen on either. Much cheaper to replace the clutch and go. Also, keep in mind a TH350 with no torque convertor lock up will be causing two things ... using horsepower an F engine can ill afford to lose, and turning higher revs.

Parts you would need:
Custom shafts, yes. Front and rear.
Shifter
engine trannyAdapter plate
torque convertor
special/custom flex plate
cooling lines
tranny cooler
rear support member

 

[DocB]

Sounds like one expensive pain in the ass. And you might still not get the result you want.

 

[orangefj45]

just put a good quality clutch in it and drive it. it'll take you a day and cost you less than $200. get the flywheel resurfaced and change the rear main seal on the engine if there's any sign of leakage.

 

[65-fj45]

A couple of years back Downey did a 700r4 conversion on a 6 cyl in a fj 45. I would contact them to see what it would take to do this job.

 

[Bull22]

I have been hunting around and did find a th350 for 50.00 I think it is out of a monte carlo. If I wanted to swap the motor out also this would make things way easier right?

If I were to swap I would want to go fuel injected. Would a 4.3 ltr chevy bolt up? I was thinking 4.3 for the shorter block so there would be a little more room and it is a lighter motor. Plus I think I know where I can get one.

Let me know what you think guys...

Thanks

 

[orangefj45]

if you're gonna do an engine/automatic transmission conversion, better plan on spending a minimum of $2k, but probably closer to $5k by the time you're done.
gotta take all parts needed into account.
engine
trans
adapter
drivelines
exhaust
wiring
drive shafts
fuel system
...............


JUST PUT A CLUTCH IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[65-fj45]

The cheepest and easyest is what Orangefj45 said. "just put a clutch in it"

 

[Bull22]

As i said I can get an trans cheap and I think I will be able to get a 4.3 also cheap. Drive lines arent a problem My one buddy builds his own drive shafts and we will make custom ones. Exhaust and the rest shouldnt be a problem. Now just wondering if anyone has put a 4.3 in a fj40 and will a 4.3 bolt up to a th350.

 

[orangefj45]

yes, a th350 (and th400, th700, sm420, sm465, nv 4500) will bolt up to a 4.3 which is the same bolt pattern as a 5.7 and the same as a 7.4 and the same as......... .
BUT!!!!!!! make sure that the trans is a chevy boltpattern, the BOP (Buick Olds Pontiac) pattern will bolt up to a chevy block.
also, is the 4.3 a tbi engine or carbed? the carbed units had a lot of vibration problems.
and the tbi engine will require a special harness, computer and fuel system.

and DO NOT FOOL YOURSELF, this stuff will add up fast. i don't care how many buddies you have and what all you can do "yourself".

now do a search on the subject, you newbie fawker!


and yes, a 4.3 will work just fine in a cruiser.

 

[Bull22]

Well thanks that sounds good. The motor will be a tbi 4.3 or maybe a mpi will be coming with harness and computer. The tranny is a chevy tranny.

And I aint no newbie...

 

[orangefj45]

i'm not trying to discourage you from taking on a project of this magnitude, just want you to know what you're getting yourself into. and your (dumbass ) questions sure sound like they're coming from a newbie!!!

keep 2 more things in mind:
1) the tbi system will work with regular fuel lines and an external electric 18 psi electric pump. the mpi has to have solid fuel lines and an in tank 60-80 psi electric pump.

2) you or one of your "buddies" will have to replace the output shaft in the trans to convert it onto a cruiser adapter/t-case. that means taking the trans all the way apart and putting it back together. and then hope it works.

 

[CruisinGA]

Sounds like a fawkin expensive and time consuming clutch job.....