H55 to an early 80s B3?

[brandonroy]

estimated cost of this conversion?

hey all, i was wondering what the estimated cost of this conversion would be? both if a mechanic was paid to do it, and if i were to do it myself?

i am currently looking at buying a 4 speed bj60, and i'd like to convert it pretty quickly to a 5 speed. i'm trying to work the tranny swap into the estimated costs, because there is also a 5 speed i'm looking at as well....

thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[ylexot]

The conversion isn't real cheap, especially if you have it done by a shop.

H55 can run from 1850 to 3500 depending on where and what all you buy. (straight pullout, tested, rebuilt, transfer case, etc.)
Clutch $200 (recommended)
Drive shafts I've heard can be $400 a piece, needed for pre 4/85 60 series.
Labor by the book just to take a tranny out and put it back runs $850. Labor for other stuff will add up.

I'm doing it myself and banking on the improved fuel economy and decreased wear and tear on the B3 will pay off. It will be nice to get 30mpg out of such a capable 4x4.

 

[brandonroy]

thanks for the info tim. yep, it sounds pretty pricey. think i'll probably stick with the 5 speeds, if i can find a good, non-rust bucket.

where you getting your biodiesel from in portland? and what blend is it?

 

[rick_d]

ylexot wrote:

>H55 can run from 1850 to 3500 depending on where and what all you buy.
Call cdan at American Toyota before misquoting numbers. $1,600-$1,650 for new.
used transmission only should run $500-$1,000, but the latter had better be really good.

>Clutch $200 (recommended)
about, a little more parts only

>Drive shafts I've heard can be $400 a piece, needed for pre 4/85 60 series.
on mars or downtown san francisco. call a driveline shop and ask about retubing (front shaft), and cutting down rear shaft. Should be mch closer to $100 each.

>Labor by the book just to take a tranny out and put it back runs $850. Labor for other stuff will add up.

Then you will never know what runs under you. Because of the imbalance of the t-case, I am now of the believe that the t-case should be removed before pulling transmission (and reassembled in the truck). Transmission jacks can work, but floor jacks for H55 only work wonders. The first time it's a 1/2 day of your life. The third, 3 hours. US labor rates will eat you alive, only use shops when you can't or are pushed for time.

 

[ylexot]

Thanks rick_d. I asked earlier in this thread for suggestions on where to land a H55, but got no response. The numbers I posted were the best I could find on my own. (Now I understand better why it's called $OR around here.) You can believe I'll be following up with American Toyota.

Can you explain more about "balancing" the transfercase?

Yes, the mechanic's labor book here is a scam. the book says 7.5 hours to do. One guy I talked to said between 2-5 hours to do the job, but he'd "have" to bill me for the full 7.5. unbelievale.

Brandon: I get bio at the pumps from several places in town. Jay's Garage at SE Morrison and 7th-ish and another place out on Lombard/60th-ish sell Sequential brand which is a Portland company, B50 winter, B99 summer. Mr Carwash on SE Grand and Oak sells B20. There are more places. My neihboor goes to a bioD co-op, but I haven't joined yet.

 

[brandonroy]

cheers, and thanks for the info. hopefully i'll join the ranks of the portland diesel cruisers soon.

 

[ylexot]

The time for my swap is nigh. I'm still looking for a reasonably priced H55 that fits my old B3. Best I can find so far is $1850 for a used non-rebuilt from MAF. Seems high for such a common gear box. I've also struck out with cruiserdan -- he's only got the h55 hook-up for later models.

Anyone have a suggestion or a phone number for me?

 

[Tapage]

The time for my swap is nigh. I'm still looking for a reasonably priced H55 that fits my old B3. Best I can find so far is $1850 for a used non-rebuilt from MAF. Seems high for such a common gear box. I've also struck out with cruiserdan -- he's only got the h55 hook-up for later models.

Anyone have a suggestion or a phone number for me?

Cruiserparts.net ?

 

[polarweasel]

Here's a question... if I've got an H42 4-speed off a 3B (1982 BJ42), can I put its input shaft into an H55? I know I'll still need to source a top plate, but this seems like a possible way to go...

 

[fjtoys]

Sorry to put so many topics into one thread...

I am taking the drivetrain out of my BJ and putting it into the FJ40...
What is the best way to cope with the difference in the shifter location? Is the shifter plate available? At this point, I dont even care if I have to buy it from Toyota...

For what its worth, the 3B and H55 in my 88 are from an unknown donor vehicle, but believed to be 83ish?...

 

[ylexot]

I still haven't found a cheaper source than MAF for a H55 that mates to my old B3.

H55s that fit F2/H2 engines: cdan, Cruisers.net, everyone I've checked with so far can get the kinds I can't easily use.

These aren't hen's teeth. There has to be some on this continent for sale at a reasonable price.


More help?!?!?

 

[ylexot]

One more question...

Rick-d described the pilot bearing on the 3B being smaller than those for the 2f and 2h. Looking at the pictures in post 15, the end of the input shaft appears to be the same diameter and shape for the two shafts.

Will the bell housing from an FJ bolt to my 3B? Will this bell housing provide the clearance for the longer input shaft? Can I use a 3B pilot bearing with a 2F/H input shaft?

It seems then I could get a new transmission or more readily available transmission and use a 3B pilot bearing, a 2F clutch and and bell housing to put it all together....

or am I s

 

[rick_d]

email mot or japan4x4 (stedman) about:

33311-60111

If you can get this late (1987-1990) 3B/13B-T input shaft you can convert any of the easily found US H55's that CDan etc have.

If Cabe Toyota in Long Beach has a transmission in stock and you send them the output they will convert for 1hours labor (last year $70).

I'd do it for a 6 pack of quality brew (mcewans or celebrator- none of that fou fou fat tire dechuttes etc- I'd rather drink a bumper of Colt 45)
And if you bring both parts to tucson.

 

[ylexot]

Thanks for all of your help.

I finally found a reasonable deal on a H55 with a 21 spline input shaft. And of all places, I found this deal here in town! color me stoked.

Let the swap begin!

 

[ylexot]

If I am in Tucson again anytime soon, I'll look you up... I'm sure a six pack of quality barley,hops, and time, would not be wasted. Ever had Old Rasputen?