This is an exerpt from a thread I have in the '55 section but I would like to hear more opinions on this. I have a '77 Fj55 and I am swapping out the stock eng, trans, and tranny and replacing it with a donor setup from an '81 FJ40. Well I have a couple questions. So...
The rear engine mounts on the orig. '77 FJ55 engine have three mounting points per mount and side but the newer, '81 FJ40 engine only has two but also incorporated a crossmember. I wasn't planning on using the crossmember and was wondering if I should just drill, and then 'tap and die' the new holes (one on either side of the bellhousing) or if I should go through the trouble of swapping bellhousings? Seems like a pain to swap out bellhousings unless folks think I shouldn't mess with drilling the newer housing.
Also, which transmission and transfercase setup do ya'all suggest? The newer '81 or the older '77 or a mix 'n match? I also realize if I use the newer transfercase I lose the drum mounted emergency brake. Can the drum mount be swapped to the newer '81 transfercase? Or am I stuck with getting a disc brake conversion, line lock, or rear disc brake/emergency brake combo? Just trying to 'wrap' my brains around all the options in order to make a good decision. Thanks for any advice.
Oh, and I guess I will probably have to shorten my rear driveshaft also. Was hoping to get this done by Christmas as a gift to myself but I'm losing faith.
I have been researching this on Mud for a while but am running into some roadblocks. Anyone still reading all this and actually gettin' it?
Thanks, Carlos
The rear engine mounts on the orig. '77 FJ55 engine have three mounting points per mount and side but the newer, '81 FJ40 engine only has two but also incorporated a crossmember. I wasn't planning on using the crossmember and was wondering if I should just drill, and then 'tap and die' the new holes (one on either side of the bellhousing) or if I should go through the trouble of swapping bellhousings? Seems like a pain to swap out bellhousings unless folks think I shouldn't mess with drilling the newer housing.
Also, which transmission and transfercase setup do ya'all suggest? The newer '81 or the older '77 or a mix 'n match? I also realize if I use the newer transfercase I lose the drum mounted emergency brake. Can the drum mount be swapped to the newer '81 transfercase? Or am I stuck with getting a disc brake conversion, line lock, or rear disc brake/emergency brake combo? Just trying to 'wrap' my brains around all the options in order to make a good decision. Thanks for any advice.
Oh, and I guess I will probably have to shorten my rear driveshaft also. Was hoping to get this done by Christmas as a gift to myself but I'm losing faith.
I have been researching this on Mud for a while but am running into some roadblocks. Anyone still reading all this and actually gettin' it?
Thanks, Carlos
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