Going non-stock: 350 SBC and 700r4 (1 Viewer)

[Source3]

Hello all,

After deliberating whether to stay somewhat stock or go to the dark side (SBC), I have decided to go to the dark side and drop in a 350 SBC and 700r4 tranny. (Decision included many weeks of reading the forums!). FYI: I plan to keep my original TC.

My question is which 700r4, 2wd or 4wd? Does it matter? I am going to start looking for a complete car/truck with a 350 and 700r4 at the junk yards that was rolled or something or other.

Below is a little history and planned use.

I bought the FJ40 in April 09. It is all original. See link to photos in signature. Here is a brief rundown:

• Production Date: 9/72
• F engine
• 3 spd tranny (on floor)
• original transfer case
• drum brakes all around
• original carb
• rust in typical areas, rear quarter panels (golf ball size) and near bottom of door.

Compression test on the F engine (wet test did not change numbers) showed ~130 psi on #1,2,3,5 and 40 psi on # 4 and 6. Yes 40.

The FJ40 will see highway driving (sometimes 300 miles one way) to get me to the trails. I would like to cruise at 65-70 mph on the highway in somewhat comfort. Trails will include unmainted forest service roads to desert environments. I do not expect to do any rock climbing, ok, maybe a little with the local LC club.

Upgrades included:

1. Engine swap
2. Tranny swap
3. Disk brakes (all four)
4. Power steering
5. OME 2.5" Lift with 33x10.5 BFG
6. Body work and paint

Any other comments and suggestions are appreciated. I am going to call Jim at Downey this week to see what other parts I will need. A partial list that I came up for the 700r4 is:

• tranny cooloer
• Advanced adapter
• torque converter (if not already on junk yard find)
• flex plate
• will update this list as i find more items.

 

[Sharp38]

Andrew

You will be needing an adapter from the 700R4 to the Toyota TC. I would suggest that you contact the adapter company you intend to use and ask them the question about the transmission. They will be able to tell you right away which 700R4 to source.

Don
www.wolfcreekrodworks.com

 

[Source3]

Andrew

You will be needing an adapter from the 700R4 to the Toyota TC. I would suggest that you contact the adapter company you intend to use and ask them the question about the transmission. They will be able to tell you right away which 700R4 to source.

Don
www.wolfcreekrodworks.com

Hello Don:

Already scoped out from Advanced Adapters: (P/N 50-8901) GM 700R4 to Toyota Land Cruiser 10 Spline Adapter Kit

I have read so many posts I need to stop because I cant remember what I have read. Description from Advanced Adapters:

This kit is designed for exclusive use with the 2wd 700R-4 / 4L60 / 4L60E manufactured thru 1996. The overall case length of the transmission is 23.375”, has a non-removable bell housing, and a 4 bolt square rear case. Late model 4L60E automatics will have a removable bell housing and a 6 bolt hex pattern rear case. The late model automatic will require an additional Advance Ad.
​

Looks like I need a 2wd up through 1996!

Thanks for the hint.

 

[Sharp38]

Andrew

I have used a lot of AA stuff, both privately and as a dealer for them and find their quality excellent. Good luck

Don
www.wolfcreekrodworks.com

 

[Cresso]

I'd like to do this swap as well. I'd be concerned with the length of the rear driveshaft when using AA's kit, especially if the rear axle hasn't been moved back. Downey has an adapter for this swap and it's only 1" thick, as opposed to AA's 6.75" long adapter.

 

[Source3]

I'd like to do this swap as well. I'd be concerned with the length of the rear driveshaft when using AA's kit, especially if the rear axle hasn't been moved back. Downey has an adapter for this swap and it's only 1" thick, as opposed to AA's 6.75" long adapter.

Not to sure what is going on with the Downey GM Automatic Adapter, whether it is still available or not. I am going to give Jim at Downey a call this week.

 

[Clutchee]

One thing I learned riding in Woody's 40 is make sure you get a 700R4 that is a "K" case version...... & have fins added to the tail section of the trans.

Transmission is stronger & the fins will help from the tail of the trans twisting & breaking.....

 

[gpetry]

Downey kit is still available - just bought one this week for my 6.0l with 4l70e conversion. Jim was very good to deal with.

 

[lukebz]

my AA kit and tranny

here are some pics of the parts im using to go with my SBC and 700r4

 

[lukebz]

by the way....its pretty long

 

[67azcruizr]

you could always run the split case, just have to get a '81 + rear end with a built in parking brake. good luck

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...g-350-700r4-split-t-case.html?highlight=700r4

 

[kjohnson]

When selecting the 700r it does not matter if you go with a 2wd or 4wd as they will both work. If you pick up a 2wd the tail cone is not used. The advantages of picking a 2wd is that they are norminally cheaper at the junk yard than a 4wd, ( more demand for the 4wd) and the 2wd usually has been less stressed. I picked a 700r a couple weeks ago and am planning on doing the same project this winter. The 350 is already in place, planning on using Downeys 1" mounting plate.
Keep us informed on your progress.
Kevin

 

[shelfboy1]

that wire on the side of the 700r4 is the tv wire it has to be hooked up correctly to the carb or your tranny wont last long might want to check with a good tranny shop or get the haynes rebuild book good luck

 

[Source3]

Some of you asked that I update this post with my progress. The engine swap was just delayed. I told my wife that I found a donor truck and was moving forward. Well...she reminded me that I promised her that I would build a woodworking shop for her before working on the FJ40. . Ahh shoot...I did say this. The swap has just been delayed a year or so. BUT, I will be adding extra space for a car bay!

The 'ol FJ40 remains stock. Time to go rebuild the 1F engine so I can drive it. Please recall that I have two cylinders with a compression of 40psi.

Thanks to all who replied with suggestions and encouragement.