H55F Swap & 3-Speed to 4-Speed Clutch Upgrade Thread

[PabloCruise]

I have a '74 FJ55 w/ 3FE. She is a mild Pig, rolling on 33s.

I recently came into an H55F that I have been wanting for a long time: Builds - POTM - March, 2014 - Javelina By Pablo Cruise - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/potm-march-2014-javelina-by-pablo-cruise.798519/page-42#post-15601466

The purpose of this thread will be to clarify a few details on both upgrades, and hopefully serve as a resource thread for future readers.

 

[PabloCruise]

First, some references to two really great resource threads.

Much thanks to Steve @Poser for this one: Builds - H55/Splitcase into 02/79-40 Series - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/h55-splitcase-into-02-79-40-series.139889/

And Georg @orangefj45 for this one: F, 2F, 3F and 3FE rear main seal, oil pan gasket and clutch installation instructions - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/f-2f-3f-and-3fe-rear-main-seal-oil-pan-gasket-and-clutch-installation-instructions.1338727/

 

[PabloCruise]

My first question is regarding the change from 3-speed clutch to the 4-speed clutch.

My Pig came with the 4-speed tranny, but the 3-speed (deep-dish) flywheel and 3 finger clutch.

My plan is to keep using the F bellhousing that came with the Pig. It has the mounts on it, which I think will help. I know I need to grind it a little bit to fit the H55 case.

Can I keep using the 3-speed slave cylinder - mounted on the passenger side - with a 4-speed clutch fork?

 

[PabloCruise]

Next question - can anyone tell me what fasteners they used to mount the tranny to the bell housing?

What I took off was not JIS, and I am not sure if someone crammed the wrong pitch thread in there...

 

[orangefj45]

Call me. You have my number ……

Georg @ Valley Hybrids @ Cruiser Brothers

 

[greenbeast]

Next question - can anyone tell me what fasteners they used to mount the tranny to the bell housing?

What I took off was not JIS, and I am not sure if someone crammed the wrong pitch thread in there...

Thanks for asking this, gonna need couple sets myself

 

[orangefj45]

Next question - can anyone tell me what fasteners they used to mount the tranny to the bell housing?

What I took off was not JIS, and I am not sure if someone crammed the wrong pitch thread in there...

OEM bolts , we keep them in stock.



They’re 12x1.25mm thread pitch.

Georg @ Valley Hybrids @ Cruiser Brothers

 

[Living in the Past]

My first question is regarding the change from 3-speed clutch to the 4-speed clutch.

My Pig came with the 4-speed tranny, but the 3-speed (deep-dish) flywheel and 3 finger clutch.

My plan is to keep using the F bellhousing that came with the Pig. It has the mounts on it, which I think will help. I know I need to grind it a little bit to fit the H55 case.

Can I keep using the 3-speed slave cylinder - mounted on the passenger side - with a 4-speed clutch fork?

Are you keeping the bellhousing motor mounts or using a crossmember under the transmission? Once the 8/80 started the motor mounts replaced crossmember on the 40 series and 60 series which replaced the FJ55. Those uses a small adapter for the clutch slave cylinder. The original threaded holes for the motor stayed except the threaded holes were reduced. The adapter is NLA and needs to be found used. Plus need to either drill out the adapter or use an insert on the bellhousing to reduce the thread size.

 

[PabloCruise]

Are you keeping the bellhousing motor mounts or using a crossmember under the transmission? Once the 8/80 started the motor mounts replaced crossmember on the 40 series and 60 series which replaced the FJ55. Those uses a small adapter for the clutch slave cylinder. The original threaded holes for the motor stayed except the threaded holes were reduced. The adapter is NLA and needs to be found used. Plus need to either drill out the adapter or use an insert on the bellhousing to reduce the thread size.

I’m not sure what you mean here?
I thought they added a crossmember under the transmission in ‘80?
Can you help me understand the adapter and the threaded holes you speak of?

 

[PabloCruise]

Are you keeping the bellhousing motor mounts or using a crossmember under the transmission? Once the 8/80 started the motor mounts replaced crossmember on the 40 series and 60 series which replaced the FJ55. Those uses a small adapter for the clutch slave cylinder. The original threaded holes for the motor stayed except the threaded holes were reduced. The adapter is NLA and needs to be found used. Plus need to either drill out the adapter or use an insert on the bellhousing to reduce the thread size.

I am planning on keeping the bell housing mounts.

 

[PabloCruise]

As per Georg and Steve, you may have to grind the F/2F bellhousing if your H55 was after a certain date in '85 and has some shoulders that need to clear.

Here you can see the front of the H55, and then where the bellhousing needs to be cleared:

 

[PabloCruise]

Are you keeping the bellhousing motor mounts or using a crossmember under the transmission? Once the 8/80 started the motor mounts replaced crossmember on the 40 series and 60 series which replaced the FJ55. Those uses a small adapter for the clutch slave cylinder. The original threaded holes for the motor stayed except the threaded holes were reduced. The adapter is NLA and needs to be found used. Plus need to either drill out the adapter or use an insert on the bellhousing to reduce the thread size.

I am still wondering about this adapter you speak of... @Living in the Past

 

[PabloCruise]

I am planning on keeping the bell housing mounts.

Georg mentioned that the clutch slave cylinder moved to the passenger side in 1975.
I thought that the bellhousing my Pig came with was the original to the 1974 build (Jan 1974 build date), but it is running a passenger side slave.
Perhaps someone moved it before I got it?
Perhaps the shop that put my 3FE in moved it?
IDK...

 

[Living in the Past]

I am still wondering about this adapter you speak of... @Living in the Past

This adapter is only used when the motor mounts are being used. They use the same holes as the motor mount except the 8/80+ have smaller threads. I can look up the part number if your interested, but it is NLA. I sourced a couple because I have the 8/80+ transmission crossmembers.

 

[cruisermatt]

I am still wondering about this adapter you speak of... @Living in the Past

@Living in the Past are you referring to 31479-60030?

 

[Living in the Past]

@Living in the Past are you referring to 31479-60030?

Yes that's the one. If running a crossmember with an H55F (which I would recommend) could just grind off the section that bolts to the frame. I do not like destroying OEM parts when there is an OEM solution. Are you making a aftermarket market replacement?

 

[Living in the Past]

Georg mentioned that the clutch slave cylinder moved to the passenger side in 1975.
I thought that the bellhousing my Pig came with was the original to the 1974 build (Jan 1974 build date), but it is running a passenger side slave.
Perhaps someone moved it before I got it?
Perhaps the shop that put my 3FE in moved it?
IDK...

View attachment 3715431

View attachment 3715430

Not sure when Toyota changed side for the clutch slave cylinder. 9/72 the high low shifter moved to direct shift on the transmission cover. From that time there was no longer a need to put the clutch hydraulics by the exhaust on the FJ40 or FJ55. Dash mounted high low shifting of the transfer case no longer used the right rear motor mount to pivot the linkage.

 

[Pighead]

Georg mentioned that the clutch slave cylinder moved to the passenger side in 1975.
I thought that the bellhousing my Pig came with was the original to the 1974 build (Jan 1974 build date), but it is running a passenger side slave.
Perhaps someone moved it before I got it?
Perhaps the shop that put my 3FE in moved it?
IDK...

My 12/'74 Pig has the clutch slave on the passenger side

 

[Living in the Past]

One thing I am wondering is if I can keep using the stock skid plate. When I dropped it I thought it would be nice to send it out for powder coat, but I think I better make sure everything fits first...

From the linked thread in the first post but though I would put this here.

Believe is was 9/72 when Toyota first started installing a four in the FJ40 that a forth fixed nut was added to each frame rail to bolt on a skid place. Three speed used the three forward fixed nuts for the skid plate. The four speed the back three.

Skid plate on the left was used on the four speed up to 8/80. The center is the 8/80+ four speed. Right is the five speed 10/82. Believe this is for the FJ4X and BJ4X short and mid wheel base.

Here is the difference in the four speed before and after 8/80.

The crossmember is why the 8/80 shorter.

The mounting holes stayed in the same location thru the years. Looking at the skid plates used with a crossmember can see the five speed holes are in the same distance from the front as the four speed.

 

[cruisermatt]

Yes that's the one. If running a crossmember with an H55F (which I would recommend) could just grind off the section that bolts to the frame. I do not like destroying OEM parts when there is an OEM solution. Are you making a aftermarket market replacement?

Although they aren’t difficult to find used, I do make a solid aluminum version of 31479-60030. I never thought about it but you’re right the bolts in a 75-79 bellhousing would be M12. My part would be perfect to drill to M12 as it has a ton of material

1981-84 Clutch Slave Cylinder Mounting Bracket 31479-60030

Billet Aluminum clutch slave cylinder mounting bracket for 1981-84 FJ40 and FJ60 models. Includes new OEM hardware for both bracket and release cylinder! Replaces Toyota Part # 31479-60030 Made in USA

cruisermatts.com