Engine swap crossroads...

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mikeymouse

mikeymouse

Joined
Jul 9, 2008
Threads
12
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256
Location
Denver, CO
Website
www.madorbit.com
Ok, I have my 1989 Chevy "chester molester" van. It runs, drives, has power, needs gaskets, BUT it's going to, soon, end up in my FJ40.

Here's the question... I welcome thoughts, feelings (Non-sexual ones), experiences, etc...

Do I keep the 700R4 automatic or the 4 speed Toyota transmission? I know there are pitfalls of both directions, I'm leaning towards the automatic, but I'm weary of the front driveshaft clearance when keeping the Toyota transfer case.

I like the O/D of the auto and the electronic control, but I like the snappy response of the 4 speed, especially with a 350 in front of it.

Discuss...
 
Talk to Clint. He did the 350/700r4 to his 40
 
Gumby said:
off-roading like fire roads, or rock crawling?

If you're gonna crawl it, put an auto in it.

Seach Woody's build threads. He used a stub shaft in his 40. Works great.
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking Gumby. I will look for Woody's stub shaft. Thanks guys keep the ideas coming.
 
and if you are gona waste $ on an adapter to a Cruiser case, at least make it a split case....
 
Polak said:
What the fxxx dude? You can't set s*** like that up and not let us knock it down!

Now I'm pissed!
Click to expand...

I know your twisted sense of humor. I've read plenty of threads on MUD.

@Woody, Why is it a waste of money to adapt a Toyota transfer case into the driveline? Why would a split case be an improvement? I have three 74-79 FJ40 transfer cases and zero any other transfer cases. Should I throw them all in a dumpster and get a NP205 instead? What non-Toyota case would you recommend without having to replace the axles?

I'm not using my Lottery Winnings here either. I work all week and have a mortgage.
 
D-300 is relatively cheap, clockable, true twin stick, lots of aftermarket and cheap 4:1 gears available. It's very strong as well.

205 is free, strong and some aftermarket. Cheap doubler to a 203 too.

16 spline cruiser case (4 speed case) is weak with no gears and no aftermarket.

19 spline cruiser case (split) is strong. No known breakage issues. Gears are available, (3:1 Marks, 4:1 AA) but VERY expensive (about $1500)

Adapters to the cruiser cases are available from AA. About $600 IIRC.

For the first two you have to center the rear axle, but that's cheap and easy with a hybrid mini axle.

Don't forget mini cases. Stupid strong. cheap, cheap and easy doubler too. Way better shifting than the cruiser cases too.



The 16 spline is relatively weak. Keep small tires on it and treat it well and it'll last OK. You might need all three of the ones you have. I went through three in a summer. The latest one is doing OK, but it's my last one.
 
Gumby said:
D-300 is relatively cheap, clockable, true twin stick, lots of aftermarket and cheap 4:1 gears available. It's very strong as well.

205 is free, strong and some aftermarket. Cheap doubler to a 203 too.

16 spline cruiser case (4 speed case) is weak with no gears and no aftermarket.

19 spline cruiser case (split) is strong. No known breakage issues. Gears are available, (3:1 Marks, 4:1 AA) but VERY expensive (about $1500)

Adapters to the cruiser cases are available from AA. About $600 IIRC.

For the first two you have to center the rear axle, but that's cheap and easy with a hybrid mini axle.

Don't forget mini cases. Stupid strong. cheap, cheap and easy doubler too. Way better shifting than the cruiser cases too.



The 16 spline is relatively weak. Keep small tires on it and treat it well and it'll last OK. You might need all three of the ones you have. I went through three in a summer. The latest one is doing OK, but it's my last one.
Click to expand...

Thanks a million Gumby, that's plenty of information to consider. I'm definitely going to consider these options. I suppose just because I have these cases doesn't mean I have to use them.
 
Gumby said:
D-300 is relatively cheap, clockable, true twin stick, lots of aftermarket and cheap 4:1 gears available. It's very strong as well.
Click to expand...
I've got $1500 into mine, and would spend an extra $1000 for an Atlas next time...have cracked my D300 once...but still a good case...

205 is free, strong and some aftermarket. Cheap doubler to a 203 too.
Click to expand...
and H E A V Y...the 203 is H E A V Y too...

16 spline cruiser case (4 speed case) is weak with no gears and no aftermarket.
Click to expand...
10 spline is weak too

19 spline cruiser case (split) is strong. No known breakage issues. Gears are available, (3:1 Marks, 4:1 AA) but VERY expensive (about $1500)
Click to expand...
with the number of dead FJ60's around, these should be a dime a dozen...no more than $100 I'd guess...

Adapters to the cruiser cases are available from AA. About $600 IIRC.

For the first two you have to center the rear axle, but that's cheap and easy with a hybrid mini axle.

Don't forget mini cases. Stupid strong. cheap, cheap and easy doubler too. Way better shifting than the cruiser cases too.

The 16 spline is relatively weak. Keep small tires on it and treat it well and it'll last OK. You might need all three of the ones you have. I went through three in a summer. The latest one is doing OK, but it's my last one.
Click to expand...

D300 needs a centered rear axle, so does the minitruck. FJ40/mini hybrid is so easy, even I was able to do it...

Properly skid plated (ie: overkill) and a 10 or 16-spline Cruiser case will last a while...but why waste adapter and mounting $ on something that won't last with hard use. You may not use it hard now, but you will...the ease of driving the auto will put you into new difficult situations. BTDT...
 
woody said:
with the number of dead FJ60's around, these should be a dime a dozen...no more than $100 I'd guess...



D300 needs a centered rear axle, so does the minitruck. FJ40/mini hybrid is so easy, even I was able to do it...
Click to expand...

I would consider either of these options actually. If anyone knows of, or has either of these cases I'd entertain a trade or purchase. I'm going to head over to the classifieds right now, but I'm definitely not shipping one of these nor am I going to drive to Vegas to pick it up... we shall see.

Thank you all for your feedback, this would be really difficult without your expertise & experience.
 
Gumby said:
The 16 spline is relatively weak. Keep small tires on it and treat it well and it'll last OK. You might need all three of the ones you have. I went through three in a summer. The latest one is doing OK, but it's my last one.
Click to expand...

Did you have the 'case saver' bracket installed on any of these? I would think the answer is yes, but I have to ask.
 
If it helps I have a 4L80e with a Dana300 adapter already installed (no t-case). Low mile rebuild (less than 3K) with the torque convertor. Willing to let it go for $750 OBO; can deliver to your door for diesel money. To use it you need a later harness and computer (the EFI computer also controls the trans). Probably $100 at a pick-n-pull for both.

Nick
 
Carl built me a mini truck hybird center rear axle pretty cheap
you could build your own pretty easy I think

I ran dual mini cases in my fj 60 with no trouble
Dual cases need more room than a 40 has to offer I think
Mini case alone is an option. Just need the GM adapter
Custom center axle is cool too. You'd have that goin for ya
 
mikeymouse said:
Did you have the 'case saver' bracket installed on any of these? I would think the answer is yes, but I have to ask.
Click to expand...

I had the top saver. I havent broken one since I got the front output saver from georg.
 
Gumby, I have a lead on a split case, might you interested in the 4speed transfer cases I have? I have 1 good one (disassembled & clean), that comes with a rebuild kit, I have another good one disassembled that has all of the parts, and I have one in the truck that is solid, but leaks oil out of the input cover. I also have 2) 4-speed transmissions, one that needs to be cleaned up and resealed, and one that is partially disassembled, but in good shape. Let me know if you might be interested and I'll think about trades or prices. If you're not interested I'll just keep them on the shelf here until I find them a good home.
 
I want to thank all of you guys for your feedback here on this thread. I have decided to go with a split case... Toyota just makes quality stuff. I have the engine and trans out of the van. Everything is looking good so far.

I have a rebuildable 2-F with a 38/38 Weber and "TPI Landcruiser" 6-2-1 headers that are in great shape. If anyone is interested let me know. I'll entertain any offers that'll help me offset the cost of the 350 swap.
 
Gumby said:
19 spline cruiser case (split) is strong. No known breakage issues. Gears are available, (3:1 Marks, 4:1 AA) but VERY expensive (about $1500)
Click to expand...

woody said:
with the number of dead FJ60's around, these should be a dime a dozen...no more than $100 I'd guess...

DT...
Click to expand...



I was probably a bit unclear here. The split case is cheap. The gear options are stupid expensive.
 
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