H55F >> 83 FJ60 >> What to do with the t-case? (2 Viewers)

[pnwfj]

I feel like an idiot for posting this because there's so much information here on this subject already (H55F 5-speed upgrade for an FJ60) but I'm having trouble getting a final answer to my question.

I have an 83 FJ60. I want to install a new H55F 5-speed transmission - sourced from cruiserparts.net new for $1850. Question: What do I do about the t-case? The H55F from cruiserparts.net obviously doesn't include one. Can I use my current t-case? If so, what do I have to change to make it work? Or, should I just buy a rebuilt or new t-case that's newer than say late 85 or 86 to deal with the longer transmission?

Any help is appreciated.

PNWFJ

 

[humper99]

You can use your current T-case but you will have to get longer bolts that connect the transfer to the tranny. Driveshafts will also have to be lengthened and shortened. Check out CCOT's web site for more step by step instructions. They also sell the adapter kit for the pre 85 swap for like $25 I think. Remember to do your clutch and rear main while in there.

 

[pnwfj]

humper99 - thanks for the information. coolcruisers.com does sell the adapter kit and they sell a nice 5-speed kit that includes a bunch of the gaskets I'll need too.

Should I re-build my current t-case or try to fine one that's newer and re-built? If I found a t-case from an 85+ would I have to shorten my driveshafts? One more question. Is the shift lever going to end up in the right place when I install the new transmission or am I going to have to cut a new hole for it?

PNWFJ

 

[soggy60]

Finding a 'newer' T-case won't solve drive shaft dilemma.

Trannies after ( mid - 1985, I think) have an empty 'spacer box' between 4 speed trany & xfer.
the 4 speed w/ box same length as 5 speed.

Rebuild your existing xfer, if ya think it needs it.

get drive shafts from 'new' 60; they'll fit right on with the H55.

No mods to shift levers needed ( just knob on tranny to reflect 5 sp pattern...)


OR , you can just crate-up the H55 and send to me
My 60 has the 'longer' 4 sp & I'm longing for a 5 !

 

[Civil1]

pnwfj

Have you recieved your H55F from cruiserparts.net already. I was seriously considering ordering one from them, did they treat you right?

Does your name imply Pacific Northwest if so what part of the NW are you from? I would like to see your 60 when you get the five speed in. My tranny is about to go and am really thinking hard about the 5 speed.

 

[pasnkhunter]

Got my H55F from Cruiserparts. They are great to deal with, ship fast. They should also have the longer bolts and correct drive shafts.

 

[Cruisergreg]

Rebuild your existing xfer, if ya think it needs it.

It's pretty simple to do and you'll have to take the case apart anyway to separate it from the old tranny.

 

[pnwfj]

Civil1 - I don't have the H55F yet. I live in Eugene, where are you at?

I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the H55F from http://cruiserparts.net/ - it's hard to beat $1850 and free shipping. coolcruisers.com has a pretty nice package deal http://shop.store.yahoo.com/coolfj40/tran5speed.html
that includes a nice looking shift lever and a bunch of other stuff for $2,200 but it doesn't include shipping.

Thanks for all of the help guys - I think I'll try to get the newer driveshafts to speed the swap process up.

PNWFJ

 

[Civil1]

pnwfj - I live in Salem

I've been thinking that I would go ahead a get the H55F from cruiserparts. Yeah, it's pretty hard to be the deal they have going I don't plan on doing the conversion any time soon but would like to have the transmission in hand.

Maybe, when you get yours together I can come down to Eugene and check it out. Yours and mine would be similar if not the same conversion. Mine is a 09/84 FJ60 which requires all the extra modifications to the driveline. Some first hand knowledge of how the conversion went would really be helpful when I get around to doing mine.

 

[pnwfj]

Civil1 - Go DUCKS!

I ordered the H55F from cruiserparts.net today for $1850 and the shipping as advertised was free - it's coming via DHL. I also ordered driveshafts for $75 each that should be the right length, a gasket kit, a shifter knob, and a few other parts including longer bolts to put the whole thing back together. I'll let you know what shows up. Now I'm trying to figure out which clutch to get - I think I'm going to got with Toyota OEM.

PNWFJ

 

[pnwfj]

Oh ... they said they weren't sure how much longer they'd be offering the transmission at $1850 - I think word is spreading. Obviously, they're using it as an advertising tool. I checked around a few other places and shipping on the thing is expensive!

 

[Civil1]

PNWFJ -- Go Beavers

Just kidding, I'm not a fan of either the Ducks or Beavers however I work in an engineering firm and most of the engineers have gone to OSU. So we have a lot of Beaver fans here.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand.

I am in limbo, should I go ahead and get the tranny or should I spend the money on other things (ie springs, bumpers etc.) There is a lot I would like to do with my truck, but the 5 speed has always been on my list. I just don't want this deal to slip away and end up having to pay a lot more for it or end up with a rebuilt or used unit. What do you think?

 

[madmike]

Civil1-- i just finished my H55f conversion (87FJ60) and bought mine from cruiserparts.net.......i was very happy with the service and the prouduct....but definitely plan to spend a week (or two) doing the conversion. I would be very careful during the install as i managed to break my crankshaft pulley rivets during the proccess. Feel free to message me with any questions when you start the process

madmike

BTW- Whitefish, Montana

 

[pnwfj]

Civil1 - I've only had my current FJ60 for about a year and I'm in the process of making it my dream truck - I plan to keep it for a long time. In my opinion it's more important to get the engine and driveline in shape before you start adding accessories. With that said, the 1st thing I did was install an OME suspension ; ) - my springs were shot so I really had to do it and it made a huge difference. I did the front wheel bearings and front brakes after than. Now I'm going to deal with the transmission - the 5-speed will make it driveable on the freeway and make the engine last a little longer. I think the H55F is a no-brainer. But it and do the conversion this summer when the weather is nice. $1850 is a great price.

madmike - A week! I was expecting to get it done over a weekend. It's still a bolt-on modification even for a later model FJ60 if you get the longer bolts and shorter/longer driveshafts. Did you rebuild your t-case too?

 

[Cruisergreg]

A week! I was expecting to get it done over a weekend. It's still a bolt-on modification even for a later model FJ60 if you get the longer bolts and shorter/longer driveshafts.

H55F in a later 60 is a long afternoon if you have some burley friends. No different bolts or driveshafts needed.