h55 install

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

I'm planning on Installing my h55 into my bj44 sometime in the next week or two.

Will this be a bolt in swap? I do have the 40 top plate and I am replacing the tranny/trans so the vacuum front drive is coming off with the existing.

So, Questions are:
1) Will this bolt right in to the bellhousing?
2) Will I need to move or modify my crossmember?
3) Is there any part or extra stuff I will need to make this an easy go? I am planning on replacing the rear main as it leaks, but I am not doing the clutch yet for $ reasons.

Any suggestions or experience will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Kraig

 

[PacToy]

Answers to Questions:

1) Yes, "if" the H55 was originally mated to a B series engine. If not, unfortunately, a little work will be required.

2) Slightly, I believe it is 5 " to the rear..

3) Yes, I would point direction you in the direction of Dave at Japan4x4 for the quickest parts solution(s).

An H55 behind a 2B makes a good bit of difference.

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

I searched and couldn't find much info. I want to make this my daily driver ASAP so I can sell my other car..

What other parts will I need?

For more info, the h55 is a B version with the 40 series top plate. It comes will the linkage and shifters for both the transfer and transmission. I think there is more in the kit with it like driveshafts and such. how hard is it to shift the crossmember back a few inches?

So what else will I need?

Thanks for all of the help, I just want to go into this prepared!

Kraig

 

[cruiserbrett]

I dont think you need to move the crossmember. it sits under the h55f and h42/41 in the same relative location IIRC?

 

[DanS HJ-45]

The question is, where is your crossmember now? You've got the H41 with extension housing on the back of it now?

I'm under the impression that the extension housing was added to made it use the same crossmember as the H55f. I could easily be wrong though.

Dan

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

It's an 81 JDM so no idea... I need to get under the truck and take a look. I thought they only used the spacer in the 60 series, but JDMs are crazy animals when tracking the changes they made and when...

Will look tonight when I get home. Its about a 4" spacer correct?

 

[PacToy]

Answers to Questions:

1) Yes, "if" the H55 was originally mated to a B series engine. If not, unfortunately, a little work will be required.

2) Slightly, I believe it is 5 " to the rear..

3) Yes, I would point direction you in the direction of Dave at Japan4x4 for the quickest parts solution(s).

An H55 behind a 2B makes a good bit of difference.

I dont think you need to move the crossmember. it sits under the h55f and h42/41 in the same relative location IIRC?

The question is, where is your crossmember now? You've got the H41 with extension housing on the back of it now?

I'm under the impression that the extension housing was added to made it use the same crossmember as the H55f. I could easily be wrong though.

Dan

I would like to make a retraction of my number 2 statement to question 2. It appears after review of my BJ44 w/H55 that the stock crossmember appears to be in the factory location.

Pic of my BJ44 w/ 13B-T/H55 down to the frame:

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

Took me a second to realize what I was looking at... I'm still not sure..

Shackle reversal, reversed steering arms and flipped ubolts correct?

I'm looking into a frameoff... how long did it take you to take it down?

K

 

[PacToy]

Took me a second to realize what I was looking at... I'm still not sure..

Shackle reversal, reversed steering arms and flipped ubolts correct?

I'm looking into a frameoff... how long did it take you to take it down?

K

Don't worry, it took me 3 + years to get it to the point in the picture. I have been other places since then so no worries.

Shackle reversal=yes

Reversed steering= I don't know the correct terminology, but that is the 4x4labs crossover kit.

Flipped u-bolts= yeppers

 

[PacToy]

Goodness!

I believe I posted the wrong picture.

Gomen!

 

[cruiser_guy]

If your current and replacement tranny both mount under the tranny or under the bellhousing (the key being they mount the same way) then you do not need to move any crossmembers. I've done an H42 to H55 swap myself on my BJ60.

If your current tranny does not have the extension piece like post '85 FJ60's do then you WILL need to lengthen/shorten driveshafts.

The H41, H42 and H55 all bolt to the same bellhousing. Even if one is a split transfer case and the other is a single piece transfer case, it doesn't matter. The input shafts vary with engine.

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

That's what I thought.
I have a 4" lift so I may be fine with the rear shaft as it may come out even. The front shaft can be removed for 2wd driving util i get a new/lengthened front.

Just to make sure, but the tanny support is the same as well too correct?

K

 

[cruiser_guy]

Just to make sure, but the tanny support is the same as well too correct?

K

On the '60 there is a slight difference in the tranny support. This is to deal with the front shaft geometry (it's further drooping down as it passes over the support). Some folks here who have swapped the H55 into older BJ60's without taking the tranny support have reported minor rubbing of the front drive shaft.

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

I can't remember if I got the support or not with my tranny.. it's still boxed up and in the back of the rig... I'm going to unload and open'er up tomorrow. Poop or get off the pot! I'll let you know tomorrow as I'd love to get this done soon

 

[Dieseler]

Looking at both my JDMs with the h41 it does not appear to have the extension as the h55 does the trans brackets look to be positioned in the same spot as my BJ42 with the H55

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

Thanks D:

Do the transmission supports look the same?

K

 

[rick_d]

1981-1984 40/43/45/47 series transmission mounts for 4 speeds are the same as 5 speeds.

Depending on age of transmission, notice the input bearing retainer on the 5 speed should have "ears" on the top circle at 10 and 2 o'clock. The bellhousing might have to be ground to fit these. 10 minute job- I have used a burr on a grinder or drill.

Front driveshaft is about 32" (I think- it has been 8+ years) - I know it to be the same length as a FJ62 automatic front driveshaft (although flange ends are different. I would make sure the yolk end is on the transmission side to clear the crossmember with your lift. There rear is a ? with your wheelbase.

Use the 1981-1984 FJ40/FJ60 transmission mount (angled bottom)- you can use your old one if not delaminating. These are available aftermarket check Cruiser outfitters etc.

The sheet metal transmission covers are DIFFERENT for 5 speeds and 4 speeds. The tranny shifter hole may have to be ground up to 1/2" under the rubber- install and check. If you have a factory 40 series transfer shifter you may be ok, but check when it is installed- the op rod can be bent (cold) gently w/o issues. The covers have been unobtanium for more than 10 years.

 

[lynchmob]

That trans you have should be a bolt in solution for you as far as the heavy mechanicals go (trans crossmember, bellhousing etc). If your cross member bolts in like an early 60 (and it should) then I think you have everything you need. If you need a trans crossmember I should have one around. I probably have a useful trans isolator too.



So, Questions are:
1) Will this bolt right in to the bellhousing?
Yes
2) Will I need to move or modify my crossmember?
No
3) Is there any part or extra stuff I will need to make this an easy go? I am planning on replacing the rear main as it leaks, but I am not doing the clutch yet for $ reasons.

As others said you may need to adjust the floor opening. The driveshafts may not work at all for you with the lift - the rear will be too short because its from a 42 not a 44.