H55F and Split Case in a 1976 FJ40.....Lots of Questions (1 Viewer)

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DanPorges

DanPorges

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Dec 10, 2020
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My 76 40 has a blown trans and I have been left with the choice to rebuild it or replace it. Since my long term goals were to go with a 5 spd swap anyway, I am considering making the leap now to an H55F and Split case setup. So far I have found the buy a brand new H55F is about $2600-3000. I can get a used split case, but I am also finding some of the best deals seem to be packages which come with the H55F and new split case already assembled and fully warrantied. I know in installing this I am going to have some challenges to deal with so here are my key questions:

  • Has anyone used the Disk E-Brake Kit from cruiserparts.net? I am trying to determine if this is fairly plug and play to my factory drive shaft connections and factory brake cable.
  • I know I will have to shorten the rear drive shaft, do I also have to make a change to the front drive shaft?
  • I was told by a couple of people that I will have to move the frame crossmember back about 6 inches or so to make room due to the length of the 5 spd, is that the only modification that will be required to the frame?
  • I know the tunnel will have to be modified to fit the new setup as well, does anyone have a template for the cuts or even sell a preformed replacement tunnel cover?
  • What else am I forgetting???

I am happy to document this as I go, once I have figured some of the steps out to get started.
 
It’s great! can do 120k on the highway now, no idea what that is in Merican miles but it’s faster than a 40 series should go.

Yes both drive shafts will need to be modified the front will need to be lengthened and rear shortened. I cut down my rear for the front because cutting down is cheeper than retubing and used a 60 series drive shaft cut down for the rear.

Yes I had to cut out and move my torque tube on the frame back a couple inches on my 1981 bj42
E235A140-4547-41F8-A90C-DAA2E3A94C0A.jpeg

i made a new tunnel lid for mine no big deal but the later 40 series had a much simpler tunnel than yours. Only reason is that the shifters don’t line up with the original holes.

Can’t help you with the brakes. I built up a full float axle with parking brakes for mine. I did use a transfer case disc brake for a while it worked but wasent ideal.
4BAC7256-BBBB-4476-A6FF-3E08A0F7609D.jpeg


You will also have to fabricate a transmission mounting bracket. I used a trimmed down 60 series setup but wish I had made my own, just didn’t have the skills or time back then.
 
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get the regular drum brake setup for a split case, one of the vendors who sets up the H55 with split case can also install the drum parts.

not certain on the cruiserpart disc brake, the other manufacturer had trouble getting enough leverage to hold properly
 
The torque tube does not need to be moved if you move the parking brake to the rear axle. Guessing what moving does is make it easier remove the transmission and transfer with out pulling the engine.

Something I don't see address is how you plan to support the transmission. Once the split transfer case a rear crossmember under the transmission was added. This was with a four speed. Number of ways people have done this. Not recommended using the current rear motor mods but have never seen feedback from those that have. Finding a thread on the H55F conversion that stays on track is hard if not impossible to find. Was one on a 73 FJ40 using the bellhousing motor mounts. Went on to other mods. Then went dead before the vehicle was running.

If this is with a stock six cylinder engine will also have to work with the shifters further back. Think Covid delayed the project to reproduce the correct 40 series top cover.

Driveshaft lengths is probably one of the easier issues. Should be able to find lengths for stock height. Lift would wait until done to measure. After 8/84 the pattern for the driveshaft flange changed. If you end up with the later style that will need to be address.

I see the post above mine is the one about the 73 with an H55F.
 
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I run mine with the rear motor mounts and no transfer case mount, just over 30k miles on it now and no issues.
 
Casey E said:
I run mine with the rear motor mounts and no transfer case mount, just over 30k miles on it now and no issues.
Click to expand...

The transfer case mount was for the most part used on one peice transfer cases when a V8 was installed. H41/H42/H55F used with a split transfer case are made for a crossmember that mounted towards the front of the transmission. Because of frame flex would not recommend using the motor mounts on the bell housing and back of transfer case. Would only one of the rear motor systems at a time.
 
I did the eBrake on my 67 FJ40, when I swapped an engine and drive train from a 85 FJ60. It’s okay and holds the truck on mild grades. Hangs below the case by about two inches, so might get beat up on some trails. Sourced it from a different vendor a while ago, but looks the same.

Eventually, I will find a better solution.
 
FJ40Jim said:
Is the H55 still available new from Toyota? Local dealer said it's a dead number now.
Click to expand...

Good on our end, we just had a handful show up.
 
In speaking with another vendor or two, there is the suggestion to move towards the non-US spec split case mounted eBrake setup. It seems pricey, but what do people think of that option?
 
Transfer case ebrake is far inferior to an axle located brake IMHO. I put Fj62 axles under my 40 and love the increased stability and braking.
Dyno
 
Dynosoar said:
Transfer case ebrake is far inferior to an axle located brake IMHO. I put Fj62 axles under my 40 and love the increased stability and braking.
Dyno
Click to expand...
Anyone have a spare FJ62 axle setup kicking around that they want to give/sell me?
 
DanPorges said:
Anyone have a spare FJ62 axle setup kicking around that they want to give/sell me?
Click to expand...
There are deals out there. You can find a set for around $500. The front will require you to outboard your springs. The rear you just have to move the perches.
 
DanPorges said:
In speaking with another vendor or two, there is the suggestion to move towards the non-US spec split case mounted eBrake setup. It seems pricey, but what do people think of that option?
Click to expand...
I’ve been running that setup and works great.
 
Dynosoar said:
Transfer case ebrake is far inferior to an axle located brake IMHO. I put Fj62 axles under my 40 and love the increased stability and braking.
Dyno
Click to expand...

I agree, the axle mounted park brakes are faaaaaar better.


FJ60/62 rear axle housings are easy to find (if the width works for you), or you can find a late model FJ40 axle housing, it will bolt right to your springs, have the correct width and the better park brake setups at the rear drum.

I too run 6x axles F/R under my FJ40, I love the stance.
 
It's been a while since I did it, but it was rather easy to cut down the short side of a 60 series full float to 40 width. Granted, it helped to have a buddy with a monster lathe. I did it for the cable lockers, and don't have the rear e-brake set up yet, but it's there for me when the time comes for the H55 swap.
 
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