FJ62 - Convert to H55 5 Speed or Rebuilt A440F

[Code Red]

I see you're in Georgia. ACC in Atlanta did my H55. They used the original (rebuilt) transfer case, and converted it to a manual shift (i.e. got rid of the vacuum) while they were in there.

ACC is not cheap, but it looks and drives like it came from the factory that way. And they stand behind their work without hesitation. I'll keep using them for major surgeries whenever I can afford it.

 

[cwwfj60]

Also not mentioned in your auto costs are transfer case rebuild...either route you go (unless buying fully assembled) A440 or H55F, the case will have to be disassembled and at a minimum resealed to complete the job...a rebuild is smart once your there, when looking for shops I'd look for the guy who is comfortable rebuilding toyota split cases.

 

[4Cruisers]

I have an Fj62 I'm looking at putting a new H55 in. I only have one question: will I need a new transfer case for the H55 or will the existing one I have on my FJ62 work?

I just reassembled the split transfer case from my '89 FJ62 onto my new H55f. Used new seals and gaskets and converted to manual front drive engagement - pretty straightforward. Combo is going into my rust-free '86 FJ60, along with the 3FE and 4.11 axles from the '89.

 

[82RECCE]

thanks for the info! I guess my next question is:
What is the advantage of taking the time to switch my transfer case from a vacuum to mechanical system? If I don't switch to mechanical will I lose the ability to engage 4wd?

 

[CenTXFJ60]

thanks for the info! I guess my next question is:
What is the advantage of taking the time to switch my transfer case from a vacuum to mechanical system? If I don't switch to mechanical will I lose the ability to engage 4wd?

Not at all. It's purely a preference thing.

 

[4Cruisers]

thanks for the info! I guess my next question is:
What is the advantage of taking the time to switch my transfer case from a vacuum to mechanical system? If I don't switch to mechanical will I lose the ability to engage 4wd?

I wanted all four of my Land Cruisers to be set up similarly.

 

[Code Red]

The Toyota vacuum system actually has a pretty good reputation, so I don't think its really an issue. But a mechanical system is simpler, probably more reliable, and gets a few hoses, wires, and switches out from under the hood and dash. I likely wouldn't bother unless the t-case was out anyway, but ACC was rebuilding mine while they had it out, so I requested it. Very happy with how it worked out. Smooth as butter. I did need to order a new (FJ60) knob to get the pattern right.

 

[IBFJ62]

Just throwing in my two cents, I did the conversion myself when the auto crapped out, and for me personally, I think the H55 is awesome. I hated the auto, it just never seemed to be in the right spot in the rpm band. She's a new truck in terms of throttle response, easy to get up and scooting from a stop, and no problem getting up to highway speed in a hurry. And manuals are cool.

 

[82RECCE]

The Toyota vacuum system actually has a pretty good reputation, so I don't think its really an issue. But a mechanical system is simpler, probably more reliable, and gets a few hoses, wires, and switches out from under the hood and dash. I likely wouldn't bother unless the t-case was out anyway, but ACC was rebuilding mine while they had it out, so I requested it. Very happy with how it worked out. Smooth as butter. I did need to order a new (FJ60) knob to get the pattern right.

Thanks a lot Code Red. So I see you've used ACC. How do you like them?

 

[bluefish]

I shipped my 62 back from hawaii (bought it out there while building a house for a friend) where i drove some of the gnarliest 4x trails ive ever been on, drove up mouna kea (tallest mountain on earth) with tourists on the regular . I picked up parts from people here on mud on my way back across from CA to Maine and took a week and a half to put in the h55f. I wish i could take it back to hawaii now that it can get out of its own way, especiall to climb the mountain and not have to creep in low with the auto. I would do the swap again in a heartbeat and probably 1/4 of the time. Make sure u have a press, and ALL the parts/bolts you need before you start. I picked up a part at ACC on my way up the coast and if i were not up to the task and lived in that area i would save the money and have them do the swap. Ive now got 33x10.5x15 tires and no lift and it goes great down the highway (much more acceleration than the auto) and on the mild trails around here, no rubbing maybe if i really flexed it. I guess what im saying is go with the h55f if u like to shift and get out of your own way and arent going rock crawling. Doint do the math about how many gallons of gas you have to burn with your new better stick shift fuel economy to break even with the swap because your fuel economy isnt going to change. Also , my auto was still perfectly fine when i took it out if anyone is looking for one.

 

[Spook50]

I'm at the point of debating this myself. I already have an H55 with transfer case and @orangefj45 twin stick kit sitting in my shop waiting for me to get the rest of the parts to do the conversion, but I'm seriously considering sourcing a 5.7 Vortec from a wrecked Chevy and mating it to a (I would have it rebuilt) 700R4 with lower stall torque converter and then having a shop do the conversion. I imagine if you provide the engine and tranny (not sure what route I'd go for a transfer case, or if maybe I could even get an adapter to mate the Toyota tcase to the 700R4) it greatly saves on the conversion cost. It'd be great if I could do it all for just a few grand. Though I know one shop here on Mud quotes $18,000 for a full 5.3/5.7 conversion on a 62. I think they're sourcing brand new crate engines and new trannies though. At least I hope that's what makes up the majority of the cost.

 

[orangefj45]

We just finished two of these conversions ...... happy customers!

Georg @ Valley Hybrids & Cruiser Brothers

 

[Code Red]

Thanks a lot Code Red. So I see you've used ACC. How do you like them?

Very happy with them. As mentioned above, they are not cheap, but they do fantastic work. I'll use them whenever I get the chance.

 

[orangefj45]

I know the guys at ACC and they do great work. They're also friends of ours.

Georg @ Valley Hybrids & Cruiser Brothers

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, So what's ACC getting for a auto rebuild ? Mike

 

[BigBoy40]

I shipped my 62 back from hawaii (bought it out there while building a house for a friend) where i drove some of the gnarliest 4x trails ive ever been on, drove up mouna kea (tallest mountain on earth) with tourists on the regular . I picked up parts from people here on mud on my way back across from CA to Maine and took a week and a half to put in the h55f. I wish i could take it back to hawaii now that it can get out of its own way, especiall to climb the mountain and not have to creep in low with the auto. I would do the swap again in a heartbeat and probably 1/4 of the time. Make sure u have a press, and ALL the parts/bolts you need before you start. I picked up a part at ACC on my way up the coast and if i were not up to the task and lived in that area i would save the money and have them do the swap. Ive now got 33x10.5x15 tires and no lift and it goes great down the highway (much more acceleration than the auto) and on the mild trails around here, no rubbing maybe if i really flexed it. I guess what im saying is go with the h55f if u like to shift and get out of your own way and arent going rock crawling. Doint do the math about how many gallons of gas you have to burn with your new better stick shift fuel economy to break even with the swap because your fuel economy isnt going to change. Also , my auto was still perfectly fine when i took it out if anyone is looking for one.

Do you still have your transmission available ?

 

[Joefish]

I see you're in Georgia. ACC in Atlanta did my H55. They used the original (rebuilt) transfer case, and converted it to a manual shift (i.e. got rid of the vacuum) while they were in there.

ACC is not cheap, but it looks and drives like it came from the factory that way. And they stand behind their work without hesitation. I'll keep using them for major surgeries whenever I can afford it.

I just got a quote from ACC to perform the H55f swap. They estimated $16k. It about blew my head clean off. I offered to buy the parts and pay $5000 for labor. Idk, what do you think? I'd like for them to do it, but that sounds really high. Thoughts?

 

[Joefish]

I see you're in Georgia. ACC in Atlanta did my H55. They used the original (rebuilt) transfer case, and converted it to a manual shift (i.e. got rid of the vacuum) while they were in there.

ACC is not cheap, but it looks and drives like it came from the factory that way. And they stand behind their work without hesitation. I'll keep using them for major surgeries whenever I can afford it.

I just got a quote from ACC to perform the H55f swap. They estimated $16k. It about blew my head clean off. I offered to buy the parts and pay $5000 for labor. Idk, what do you think? I'd like for them to do it, but that sounds really high.

 

[OSS]

Shops charge by the hour and that project takes time. If I got paid by the hour restoring my vehicle, I’d almost be a millionaire.

 

[BurntToast]

Things also seem to cost 2x now, even since 2017 when they were discussing the swaps