H55-What would you do?

[ssgtange]

I have a brand new H55 sitting in my garage. I am debating whether or not to put it in, or just wait until I need an engine rebuild and do the engine, tranny, and t-case all at once. I have another post asking a leak question which may help me decide a course of action.

The engine seems to be running strong. It was a little less than 210k. If I wait, I may be waiting a while? If I do it now, will it prolong the life of my stock 2F? Are there any tests I should conduct or tell tell signs that may indicate that my 2F has seen better days? Thanks.

 

[2mbb]

what year is your FJ60? for 4/85 and later build dates, the H55F is basically a bolt in conversion. It's considered one of the best mod's for an FJ60, so why wait? I've had my transmission & transfer case out a number of times, by myself, over the course of a weekend.

 

[Joe_E]

You can sell it to me at a discount.

 

[ssgtange]

My 60 is a 1987. I hear that if I do it, I need to do the t-case at the same time? Also, the leak post I have may drive a decision to "go in." Thanks.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/387174-leak.html

 

[ssgtange]

Joe E

Haha....nice try

 

[IH8Wood]

The tcase will need to come apart to get to the trany. Rebuilding the tcase is not that hard. I say go for it.

 

[AdventureToolCompany]

I've done the same upgrade on my 87. It's realatively straight forward bolt on. If you've ever done a clutch job it's the same thing. I also did the TC rebuild and it wasn't that hard.

Good luck....you'll love it.

 

[Heartworm]

Do it. The engine pull and the tranny/TC pull are two different animals. (I am assuming that you are DIY). To pull the tranny/TC, the best thing you can do is get a transmission jack (loan, rent, purchase= $230 Harbor Freight). Like the man says, now would be the time to do clutch, throwout bearing, maybe the rear main if that is the culprit). How are you geared and what is your tire size? 5th gear won't do much for you if you have 33's or larger unless you re-gear.

 

[lehiguy]

Its a no brainer dude. Bolt that baby in there. You will have to split the T-case in order to get it off, but it isn't hard. Your 2F could have a long life ahead of it, don't wait for that. I use a friend's ATV jack to do my transmission dirty work, it works extremely well, better by far than the tranny jack I once rented.

 

[ssgtange]

Heartworm: I am running 33's. What am I gaining with this thing? I was hoping for lower rpm's at highway speeds and a tighter start? To the best of my knowledge it is stock gearing.

Lehiguy: Thanks for the input. I have a motorcycle jack? Will that work?

 

[lehiguy]

Heartworm: I am running 33's. What am I gaining with this thing? I was hoping for lower rpm's at highway speeds and a tighter start? To the best of my knowledge it is stock gearing.

Lehiguy: Thanks for the input. I have a motorcycle jack? Will that work?

Not too likely on the motorcycle jack, too small. The first gear ratio on the H55 was my favorite feature. The overdrive didn't seem to effect my mileage at all, but it was somewhat quieter.

 

[alaska60]

I love my h55.....
Put that sucker in now!!!
It will bring your rpms down for sure....I also put a torque splitter in front of mine and a 383 stroker in front of that .....and running 4:56 on 35's I tach about 2200 at 80mph 5th gear and splitter in high. And the 1st gear is a crawling machine!

 

[Outdoor Adventure]

While you are installing the H55F, you can replace the rear main seal if needed and do a clutch job, again, if needed. You'll also have access to the TC to do what is needed. Sounds like the 55 is the motivation to tend to many other issues. Your 87 is a direct replacement install. But be certain to have extra hands available as well as the necessary jacks and jack stands. Or you can weigh the tasks against having a pro do the job(s), which in the long run may not be as expensive as it initially appears to be.

 

[jt805]

Ive been working on cruisers for 25 years, The H55 swap is the best thing ever! I converted my 87 FJ60 with 238K .I figure it will get me another 100K out of the orginal engine. Get the transfer case rebuild kit from Man A Fre iot real nice.Dont forget to use F.I.P.G. sealer from ur toyota dealer.Dont use regular sealer from a parts store. IT WILL LEAK!

 

[VTCDN]

F.I.P.G. sealer
Part number to order PLZ

VT

 

[vipergrhd]

loaner

while your contemplating on what to do with this trans. just loan it to me until you made a decision and i will break it in for you to help ease the notchy feel.just let me know on where to pick it up.LOL

John

 

[Spike Strip]

Toyota FIPG 00295-00103

 

[MR.FJ60]

Go for it! You will love it.

 

[84cruzer]

Love my H55.....of course it is mated to this 5.3 Aluminum 350 H.P