FJ 40 3 speed trans question

[csdrf33]

Hello,

I am new to the site and the forums. I am about to buy a 1972 FJ-40 with the original 3 speed transmission and inline 6 cylinder engine. I am not mechanically inclined in the least, lucky for me my brother and father are.

The seller told me to stick to back roads when I take the Cruiser home due to the top speed with the 3 speed transmission. My question is this. Does anyone know the top speed for the 3 speed trans?? I am not looking to race with the Cruiser, just want to know if I can take it on the Interstate if I need to.

Thanks!!

 

[Poser]

Welcome.


Toyota stated that it could cruise at 80mph all day long in liturature printed back in the 60's....

Depending on the tire size, you should not have any problems running at 60mph.


FYI- Swapping in a four speed will only gain you a lower first gear, as fourth gear remains 1:1...no overdrive.

 

[Varty Yo]

my 67 is lucky if it hits 50mph tops....... but that just mine

 

[Poser]

That is funny, I have a '72 that would cruise at 70 with 31's no problem....same running gear...

 

[ats72fj]

3 speed

I have a 72 with F motor and 3sp tranny. 60 mph with 32 inch tires is about max comfortable cruising speed.

 

[IDave]

I know people who grew up with 1960s FJ40s and they DID drive 80 mph all day long with their 3 speeds, on the stock 28 inch tires, too.

Most of those transmissions and transfer cases are worn and noisy now (they are noisy even when newly rebuilt, although less so), and the sound will make you anxious and uncomfortable long before you get into a danger zone. Other issues, such as engine condition, steering and brake condition, until you know for certain, would make me cautious with a "new" FJ40.

65 mph is no problem, although on 33 inch tires it feels mo-better.

 

[FF LC FREAK]

I have a 71 with the 3 speed. I have 31 inch tires, and I have been up to 70 mph. Sure, it can go that fast, but like IDave said, more importantly, what is the condition of your brakes and steering. Until I had those worked out, I would not feel comfortable above 35 or 40 mph on the test drive or drive home. JMO.

Good luck and congrats on your purchase!

 

[Biscuit]

My 74 (with a F155 in place of the 1.5F) and the three speed settles in at 60 when first getting on highway then after it warms up it will do 75 no problem.

 

[OswaldtheBold]

Hello,

I am new to the site and the forums. I am about to buy a 1972 FJ-40 with the original 3 speed transmission and inline 6 cylinder engine. I am not mechanically inclined in the least, lucky for me my brother and father are.

The seller told me to stick to back roads when I take the Cruiser home due to the top speed with the 3 speed transmission. My question is this. Does anyone know the top speed for the 3 speed trans?? I am not looking to race with the Cruiser, just want to know if I can take it on the Interstate if I need to.

Thanks!!

I have a '68 with original 3 speed. Top speed is not limited by the transmission. Top gear ratio is 1:1, same as in the 4 speeds.
However, the seller may know of some other problem he isn't telling you about that shows up at high speeds. Maybe a death wobble or a terrible noise.
I'd ask more questions or take it out on a highway test drive. If you can't drive it at 55 mph, there's something else wrong and you should have someone who knows Cruisers check it out.

 

[Dusty 66]

Bought My first TLC with 23,000 a 71 fj40 3 speed did 77 mph untill I got low on gass , used a big rock as cruise control it was all stock down to the rubber. moter went 250,000 miles before I had any problem, but gas was cheep then !

 

[cruiser88]

my 73 stock would do 80 on the interstate 70 easy .beware

 

[landcruiserdude]

My 71 FJ40 with OEM 29" tires will easily cruise at 70mph with the original 3 speed and F engine. I usually cruise at 65mph though on the interstate, as it's a more comfortable range for the F engine.

 

[john0089]

anybody know how fast a 3speed on a 2f will go?

 

[FF LC FREAK]

anybody know how fast a 3speed on a 2f will go?

How fast will a 2F go with a 4 speed? It is still a 1:1 ratio in the top gear. It just depends on tire size, gear ratio and engine performance.

 

[72cruiser]

i have a '83 2F with a 3spd and 31s that would go 70-75 on i-85 comfortably...but like everybody says: it's got a 1:1 in 3rd gear, just like a 4spd, so it's all about how your engine is running (i.e. what RPMs are you comfortable keeping it at?), and the other gearing you have (axles...) and tire size.


malphrus

 

[csdrf33]

You guys are great

Thanks for the info everyone. I can tell I am going to love this board. I can't wait to get back from Afghanistan to give the new toy a test drive.

THANKS AGAIN!!!

 

[ats72fj]

3 spd

Ditto on that cssdrf33. This board has helped me immensly.

I am assuming you are in the military in Afghanistan. If so, thank you for serving our country, God Bless and get back safe so you can enjoy your cruiser.

 

[Doug_S]

Like the others have said: they'll go up to 80 mph though I don't think the engine feel comfortable at that speed. I can run at 60 mph (verified with a GPS) all day and the engine doesn't feel strained.

Best regards,

 

[DSRTRDR]

How fast will a 2F go with a 4 speed?

I have yet to get to the limit when I do 75 or more, images of rollovers of high centered boxy vehicles somehow come to mind

honestly, on my way back from Cruise Moab on the long straight roads of the Indian Reservation, I did mostly 70-75 with 85+ on two or three passings

also, my desire to avoid speeding tickets or traffic school exceeds my need to know top speed these days ;p I just hate wasting money or time



but like others have said: you better be confident of your brakes and steering system

 

[Klunky Chris]

my 74 3 sp will do 80 without a problem. The motor is totaly built and more importantly balanced though. Definitely NOT stock

<----- however.... at 75-80 my windshield came off.......

not just the brakes and steering you have to watch out for