H55F Problem (1 Viewer)

[GreyGooseFJ]

I apologize that my first real post is asking for help...

I just recently bought an '87 FJ60 from another member (he did amazing work on it and i'm in love with it). It has a GM 5.7 Vortec with a H55F transmission. I live in a small town and it really only gets driven to the gym, grocery store, downtown etc. Only about 10 or so miles.

Today, on my way home from work, the transmission decided it only wanted to shift into 3rd or 4th gear. The shifter seems like it will not go far enough over to shift into first or second or 5th or reverse. Also, it seems there is some play in 3rd and 4th, meaning I can move it a little side to side while its in gear. I've tried to search for solutions or anyone else with this problem, but have come up empty. From the tiny bit I've found, it seems it might be a bushing on the linkage? I am far from a transmission mechanic... Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Here is a brief history on the fj60:

The rig was originally Oyajijon's. Here is his Build thread: https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/384286-oyajis-fj60.html

Condensed version of his upgrades:

5.7 Vortec (Custom Cruisers FJ40 had lead)
H55F (Georg@Valley Hybrids)
Rebuilt Trasfer Case (Georg@Valley Hybrids)
Twin Stick T-case (Made by Georg/ Installed by Custom Cruisers)
FJ62 Diffs (Georg@Valley Hybrids had lead)
ARB Rear Locker (Georg@Valley Hybrids)
Rebuilt Front Axle (Georg@Valley Hybrids)
4+ Plus Rear Bumper
New Seat Pan (Don@FC Fab)
Custom Rocker Protection (Toby Lavender@XXX Traction)
Wagon Gear Tailgate Storage
Wagon Gear Body Storage panels
Dual Optima Batteries
Wired Wagon Ultimate Headlight Harness and Aux Relay Panel
Hella H4 Headlight Upgrade
Custom Seats and Brackets
OME Heavy/Heavy Lift
ARB Front Bumper
33" X-Terrains
Alpine/Polk Audio System
Hella 700FF

 

[klinetime574]

Shift seat is what you refer to.

Pull the shift boot. Four 10mm bolts at each corner. Lift up outer and inner boot. Lock ring will now be exposed. Push down and twist counter-clockwise. It should pop up. Shift lever can now be removed. Look at where the spherical part of the lever sits and there should be a bushing there. Take pics if you have any questions along the way.

HTH

 

[GreyGooseFJ]

Thank you for the quick reply.

Is it

33556F
SEAT SUB-ASSY, SHIFT LEVER; SEAT, TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER BALL
LAND CRUISER (FJ60)
LAND CRUISER (HJ60); 5F
$17.14

Or

33548F
BUSH, NO.1, SHIFT LEVER (FOR FLOOR SHIFT)
LAND CRUISER (BJ60),LAND CRUISER (HJ60); 5F
$3.87

Or both? Any idea if I can get these at O'reily's/autozone/advance?

 

[GreyGooseFJ]

 

[GreyGooseFJ]

So I pulled it apart and sure enough, the shift seat is totally dissentigrated. Thanks klinetime574! The bushing seemed to be in good condition, but I will replace it too for good measure.
Any idea if I could pick these up locally at a parts store or dealership, or do I need to order them from somewhere?

 

[hj 60]

Good, the reason some cruisers are sold cheap

I don't know if there are different parts:

If reverse and 5th gear are difficult renew the shift SEAT 33505-60011
And BUSH SHIFT LEVER 33548-60020:

another thread mentions same numbers (luckily..)

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/h55-shifter-seat.827669/

 

[doug720]

You can get the seat from Beno, Cruiser Dan, SOR or dealer. I would suggest buying the plastic tip on the end of the shifter also, it pops on and off easily.

 

[klinetime574]

How did that thing disintegrate so much!?

 

[GreyGooseFJ]

i was wondering the same thing! It's like it just rotted away...

 

[Output Shaft]

I bet it was replaced in the past with a non-Toyota bushing in order to save $5. I had mine in for 23 yrs and it still looked new when I took a look at it a few months ago.

 

[GreyGooseFJ]

my new seat and bushing should arrive sometime this morning. Hopefully this fixes the problem. Otherwise, I'm at a loss. I'll let ya'll know.

 

[GreyGooseFJ]

Boom! The new seat and bushing solved the problem. It may be the excitement of the transmission not being f***ed, but I feel like it shifts smoother now too!

Thank you all for the help and quick responses. This forum rocks!

 

[txnight]

What a great feeling. Waiting for the right part to come in and it solving your issue. Congrats!

 

[OyajiJon]

I just saw this thread. Glad the transmission wasn't shot. I bought that used transmission from a fella in San Francisco and always thought it felt a little loose. It always shifted, so I just kept driving it. That thing took me from west coast to east coast, up and down the east coast and half way back, where I left it with my Ma in OK. I'm glad it's getting used. I had a lot of fun (and headaches) in that rig!

I also notice you're looking for a steering wheel. I might still have the original. I also still have the original tool kit and a folder full of receipts and stuff I've been meaning to send you. As I near Navy retirement, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and still plan on sending you a package when things slow down.

 

[GreyGooseFJ]

I just saw this thread. Glad the transmission wasn't shot. I bought that used transmission from a fella in San Francisco and always thought it felt a little loose. It always shifted, so I just kept driving it. That thing took me from west coast to east coast, up and down the east coast and half way back, where I left it with my Ma in OK. I'm glad it's getting used. I had a lot of fun (and headaches) in that rig!

I also notice you're looking for a steering wheel. I might still have the original. I also still have the original tool kit and a folder full of receipts and stuff I've been meaning to send you. As I near Navy retirement, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and still plan on sending you a package when things slow down.

Hey Jon,

Yes, it shifts a lot better now. The guy I bought it from had an original steering wheel with it, but it's missing the center piece with the horn buttons. I appreciate your help and your service to our country. Let me know on the package, I'll pay the shipping.

 

[Copenhagen1]

Alex I decided to post this here.

My brother bought this FJ60 that @OyajiJon built and @GreyGooseFJ owned. The truck is still running strong and my brother has had it about a year. I figured I would post a current picture of the rig as it sits today. It is a great truck!

 

[GreyGooseFJ]

Looks great!