FJ73 Gearbox

[thePunter1]

Hi,

I am looking at buying a 1989 FJ73 mid-wheelbase at a good price. The owner has advised that it has slipped out of 1st gear on a couple of occasions going up hill in rough terain - very inconvenient. This is the 4ltr with the 5 speed gearbox, sorry not sure of the code.

Has anybody expereinced any problems with this gearbox. Could it be something else like excessive body or drivetrain movement which is physicaly knocking the gear leaver out of first.

I am thinking it may be as simple(?) as changing the engine of body mounts. I don't mind spending the money on a gearbox overhaul but only if this will solve the problem.

Is this a comon problem with the 73?

Thanks in advance.
David.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Hi,

I am looking at buying a 1989 FJ73 mid-wheelbase at a good price. The owner has advised that it has slipped out of 1st gear on a couple of occasions going up hill in rough terain - very inconvenient. This is the 4ltr with the 5 speed gearbox, sorry not sure of the code.

Has anybody expereinced any problems with this gearbox. Could it be something else like excessive body or drivetrain movement which is physicaly knocking the gear leaver out of first.

I am thinking it may be as simple(?) as changing the engine of body mounts. I don't mind spending the money on a gearbox overhaul but only if this will solve the problem.

Is this a comon problem with the 73?

Thanks in advance.
David.

Hi Dave
This is the same type of gearbox,H55f. used in many 60 and 70 series landcruisers of similar years.(you can only interchange with the 2H and 12HT engines)
Mine use to jump out of 1st when I let the clutch out if I didnt push it right into gear.
I suspect it was something to do with the detente spring in the top cover.
I sold it with the defect to a knowing buyer and never found out the real reason.

Mostly its caused by bad synchroes which is a rebuild job. I suspect they get worn out from downshifting to 1st at too higher speed.
If your going to rebuild the box,you might as well do the t/case and the clutch and rear main oil seal .
You wont have much left out $3500 if you have to pay someone.
If you dont need 1st and the box is not howling ,leave it for a while.
(I think 2nd is the best gear for taking off on road)

You can check the mounts ,but the gear stick has a good 40mm clearance in any direction. That amount of movement would be really noticeable.

As you can see by my list of vehicles I own a FJ73 and it is a great 4wd. Its especially good as a platform to do modifcations as spare parts and accessories are very common.