- Joined
- Jan 7, 2011
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 4
- Location
- Republic of Panama
- Website
- www.realestate-panama.com
Hello,
I've lurked for a while on the forum and have found some great insight before. I'm hoping to hear from some more experienced owners out there on a decision I will have to take soon.
Background: I purchased a 1987 LJ70LV-MR, 2.4 liter diesel engine about 1 year ago with approx 555,350 /kms on the speedometer. It is my second car (first was a Honda Civic) and I did some local research before buying (I am located in the Republic of Panama) and Toyota rules here. So of all my options (Land Rover, Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Montero), I finally decided to only search for a Land Cruiser. Four months later there was one for sale nearby and so I took the plunge. I have never owned a 4x4 and the most mechanic experience was changing the oil on the Honda, but I figured being a vehicle with minimal electronic parts, I should be able to learn to repair the vehicle myself. So since its purchase, I've slowly been acquiring tools, the Factory Service Manual, a subscription to TLCA, and 4WD Toyota Owner, among others.
From the day I bought it, there have been some things which just didn't feel right. For instance: I have always thought the the hum while in 4th and 5th gear cruising along was just way too loud. Also the 4x4 shifter would slip out of 4L unless held in place by a passenger. Also the 4x4 light on the dash never turned on, and the speedometer has never worked.
So about a week ago I was cruising along and got stuck in 4th downshifting from 5th and had to get a tow home. I printed out the FSM manual transmission section and found out I had a G52 transmission, which had been opened for sure at least once before, and the sensor wires had been cut. I did some digging around, and found 2 parts which look worn and should be replaced: (1) the Output Shaft (33321-60090) - which is worn, and (2) Transmission Clutch No 2. (33362-35020) - which is missing a tooth and was rusting all over the shaft.
Since the transmission and transfer are in pieces, I figured it would be good to do a complete (major) overhaul of both the transmission and transfer including: main bearings, needle bearings, brass synchros, seals, gaskets, as well as the recently discovered Output Shaft and Clutch No 2 failures. I have found some rebuild kits (for both the transmission and transfer) online from East Coast Gear Supply, PolyPerformance, TrailGear, CruiserParts, etc. I sourced the bearings locally and most are in and stock with SKF, Koyo, Nachi, and NTN components. Synchros have been hard to find as well as gaskets, so I will most likely order the online rebuild kits.
Toyota is quoting me about $800 for the 2 parts and 30 days to be imported. Luckily (it remains to be seen from the inside out), but there is a junkyard with a G52 transmission asking $650. Today while at the parts store, I spoke with someone who put me in contact with an owner who will come by tomorrow afternoon to show me his transmission for sale. He has a 1PZ motor and after some research, I believe it will be a H55F transmission, which is in the following section in the same FSM.
So Im looking for some advice to weigh my options:
(1) Buy the G52 Junkyard transmission, proceed with the overhaul of my transmission using the 2 parts from the junkyard, and slowly build up the junker as a replacement.
(2) Negotiate the H55F if – and this is a big IF – it it will mate with my 2L engine, clutch, transfer, etc. with little or no modifications.
What would you do? Any and all advice would be appreciated and thanks for reading.
Mike
I've lurked for a while on the forum and have found some great insight before. I'm hoping to hear from some more experienced owners out there on a decision I will have to take soon.
Background: I purchased a 1987 LJ70LV-MR, 2.4 liter diesel engine about 1 year ago with approx 555,350 /kms on the speedometer. It is my second car (first was a Honda Civic) and I did some local research before buying (I am located in the Republic of Panama) and Toyota rules here. So of all my options (Land Rover, Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Montero), I finally decided to only search for a Land Cruiser. Four months later there was one for sale nearby and so I took the plunge. I have never owned a 4x4 and the most mechanic experience was changing the oil on the Honda, but I figured being a vehicle with minimal electronic parts, I should be able to learn to repair the vehicle myself. So since its purchase, I've slowly been acquiring tools, the Factory Service Manual, a subscription to TLCA, and 4WD Toyota Owner, among others.
From the day I bought it, there have been some things which just didn't feel right. For instance: I have always thought the the hum while in 4th and 5th gear cruising along was just way too loud. Also the 4x4 shifter would slip out of 4L unless held in place by a passenger. Also the 4x4 light on the dash never turned on, and the speedometer has never worked.
So about a week ago I was cruising along and got stuck in 4th downshifting from 5th and had to get a tow home. I printed out the FSM manual transmission section and found out I had a G52 transmission, which had been opened for sure at least once before, and the sensor wires had been cut. I did some digging around, and found 2 parts which look worn and should be replaced: (1) the Output Shaft (33321-60090) - which is worn, and (2) Transmission Clutch No 2. (33362-35020) - which is missing a tooth and was rusting all over the shaft.
Since the transmission and transfer are in pieces, I figured it would be good to do a complete (major) overhaul of both the transmission and transfer including: main bearings, needle bearings, brass synchros, seals, gaskets, as well as the recently discovered Output Shaft and Clutch No 2 failures. I have found some rebuild kits (for both the transmission and transfer) online from East Coast Gear Supply, PolyPerformance, TrailGear, CruiserParts, etc. I sourced the bearings locally and most are in and stock with SKF, Koyo, Nachi, and NTN components. Synchros have been hard to find as well as gaskets, so I will most likely order the online rebuild kits.
Toyota is quoting me about $800 for the 2 parts and 30 days to be imported. Luckily (it remains to be seen from the inside out), but there is a junkyard with a G52 transmission asking $650. Today while at the parts store, I spoke with someone who put me in contact with an owner who will come by tomorrow afternoon to show me his transmission for sale. He has a 1PZ motor and after some research, I believe it will be a H55F transmission, which is in the following section in the same FSM.
So Im looking for some advice to weigh my options:
(1) Buy the G52 Junkyard transmission, proceed with the overhaul of my transmission using the 2 parts from the junkyard, and slowly build up the junker as a replacement.
(2) Negotiate the H55F if – and this is a big IF – it it will mate with my 2L engine, clutch, transfer, etc. with little or no modifications.
What would you do? Any and all advice would be appreciated and thanks for reading.
Mike
