FJ62 H55F Transmission Swap

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Tulsa, OK
I have a 1990 FJ62 and need a new transmission, so I thought I'd explore switching to a H55f. The quotes I've received locally (reputable Cruiser shops) are in the $10-$15k range. Does this sound right? Of course I was hoping it would be half that.
 
In 1988, a brand new FJ62 cost $21K.
So yeah — I think it’s expensive- but I don’t know what the going rate is. Maybe 10-15k is the state of affairs nowadays.
 
depends on what is all included
parts will/could easily be more than half the price
couple days of labor
 
So if you don’t source any parts or do any labor yourself, then that is the going rate. The 60 parts required are selling for 5x what I paid when collecting them a decade or more ago. I’ve done a few conversions in the last year and my last quoted job was on the lower end of your range. Keep in mind there could be additional costs when you open up the T-case.
 
Ask CruiserMatt, Georg or one of the supporting vendors to the forum. Also be sure to upgrade the transfer case gearing so you get lower rpm’s on the highway.
 
Those numbers are not surprising. For reference, think I’m in well over $5000 in just parts, including a rebuilt xfer case. I did all the labor myself.

No regrets ditching the auto though.
 
Yep. We are $13k now in and out the door including carpet and 10% OD gears which I highly recommend
 
Brand new H55Fs are available from a Toyota and the cost is really not that much greater than a very good quality rebuild. Not easy to find but there are some sellers with stock.. There's a great guy in Australia that usually has stock, unsure in US.

Your quote of "$10-$15k range" is insanely expensive.
 
I have a 1990 FJ62 and need a new transmission, so I thought I'd explore switching to a H55f. The quotes I've received locally (reputable Cruiser shops) are in the $10-$15k range. Does this sound right? Of course I was hoping it would be half that.
I appreciate everyone's input!!! Thank you.
 
I have a 1990 FJ62 and need a new transmission, so I thought I'd explore switching to a H55f. The quotes I've received locally (reputable Cruiser shops) are in the $10-$15k range. Does this sound right? Of course I was hoping it would be half that.
Closer to $15k is what I have been quoted in CA. That is with a brand new transmission, rebuilt transfer case, modification to front driveshaft and all supporting components assuming the customer has no parts at all -
 
his just died too after a rebuild less than 1000 miles. i guess misery loves company. it sucks after dumping that kind of money into a rebuild to have it burn up after that short of a life

Not discounting this whatsoever; And I get it as someone who has dealt with poor rebuild experiences.

That said, these are ancient auto slush boxes that very few people really know how to rebuild anymore…. At least here in the States.
 
A 40 year old A440F fũcking died.

What more do you need to know.
Well, perhaps something that may clue someone into not being stranded or something similar.

Any warning signs, that type of thing.

The transmission that just died on me came from Georg and had a Nomad valve body from Rodney. I’m going to go out on a limb and think you might endorse a transmission of this ilk?

Regardless, there could be more or better information regarding these transmissions crapping themselves and what signs to look for or any steps to take to prolong their working life.

Not everyone is as smart as you bud.
 
There’s a lot more to converting a FJ62 to a stick shift than just buying the transmission and installing it. (Like is done on FJ60).

My suggestion, get a few quotes and pick the shop you feel most confident in — if you can swallow the price.

Just be glad that there are a few shops that will and can still do this, and that the new manual transmission is still available for your ancient vehicle
 
Well, perhaps something that may clue someone into not being stranded or something similar.

Any warning signs, that type of thing.

The transmission that just died on me came from Georg and had a Nomad valve body from Rodney. I’m going to go out on a limb and think you might endorse a transmission of this ilk?

Regardless, there could be more or better information regarding these transmissions crapping themselves and what signs to look for or any steps to take to prolong their working life.

Not everyone is as smart as you bud.
So, I know transmission issue is present becauseI believe I am experiencing a 2nd to 3rd slippage and a hard clunk when placing in reverse

I have done drain and fill, messed with kick down cable, and still the only way to cancel out the 2 to 3 delay/harsh engagement is to give more throttle to make a more pleasant transition - its too late to add a cooler, so next step is h55 for me, but I think im going to go until its nearly undriveable due to the cost - but one thing thats on the mind is its only going to get more expensive the longer I wait
 
IMHO the clunk could very well be the transfer input gear on the tailshaft of the trans having wear.
McNamarra? gear was made to "fix" this, Georg sells a long gear also
 

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