H55F swap into BJ42

[gagnier]

Hello,
I recent have purchased a 1982 BJ42 LC which, has the Trans/tcase assembly removed. The previous owner tells me that I will have to shorten the rear drive shaft to use this 5 speed because the 4 speed trans was shorter.

Could anyone confirm this, or let me know what length I should tell the driveline shop I bring it too?



Thanks alot!
Dan

oh yea I got her for $3000 and its from bc/alberta and I will post pics if anyone would like too see (its not mint believe me)

 

[Poser]

Yes you will need to shorten the rear shaft and lengthen the front for this to work.....

It would be best to install the trans and tcase and measure the mounting flange distances, and do it once, correctly.


Good luck!


-Steve

 

[Diescipel]

Lots of experience with such a swap on the Diesel/24v (i.e. the Canadian) board. Ask more particulars there...

B

 

[hi50phd]

Ancient, probably faulty memory. Planned to swap an H55 into my 40 many years ago. Found a 5speed from a diesel TLC for sale in Canada. I recall being advised not to buy it 'cause of input shaft differences between diesel and gas engines and transmissions. You might ask around before jumping in.

 

[hi50phd]

Ah, found it. Does this make sense?

http://cruisers.shoumatoffmedia.com/factdieseltrannies.html

 

[rick_d]

you do have a BJ42 style H55 right (long 21 spline input shaft, forward mount shift lever)? the 40 series H55 top plates are 4 years discontinued so grabbing another 60 or 70 series transmission will have fitment issues.

The front driveline is same length as a FJ62 auto tranny, but flanges are different size (switch them on t-case and diff). I can't remember rear length, measure Flange to Flange (6 o'clock to 6 o'clock) once it's in.

I put a H55 in a 1981 with the t-case bolted to the transmission. Basically, with every device I had, I could not fit the transmission combo in the clutch correctly with the engine in the truck. I pulled the engine, bolted the tranny/t-case combo to it and stuffed it back into the fj40.

the transmissions for a BJ42 and FJ40 sit in the same spot and the difficulties were with the fuel tank location. best of luck.

next time, I'll assemble the t-case on the transmission after it's bolted to the bellhousing.

the transmission cover sheet metal (tin) for H55's are also different from 4 speeds. I used a 4 speed (R14X) PZJ7X t-case lever part to make the t-case lever come out of the correct hole on a 4 speed "tin"- part can be had at ENS industrial I'll dig up part number if you going that route.

 

[Radd Cruisers]

I think the diesel mailing list is gone......

As for the only differnece other than drive shafts I can think of is the shifter base being very unique to a BJ42, not sure but I was told there are three different shifter bases available for the H55.

Rob

Lots of experience with such a swap on the Diesel/24v (i.e. the Canadian) board. Ask more particulars there...

B

 

[Greg_B]

I think the diesel mailing list is gone..Rob

However thanks to the wonderful world of computers and archives, and Herb from the Birfield side...the information is still accessable: http://www.birfield.com/modules.php?name=Archives&p=/archives/html/dtlc/ Gone but not forgotten!

hth's

gb

 

[gagnier]

it is the correct trans for the diesel. Hopefully someone remembers what their lengths were. I do not want to mount the assembly because I have also been told it will pop out of 5th when getting off the pedal at high speed. I want to take the trans to a shop while I take the drive shaft(s) there.

and wow you guys are all awesome!

Have a good one

Dan

 

[crushers]

easy, measure the adapter plate between the actual tranny housing and the t/case (should be about 3") and shorten the rear accordingly and the front lengthend the same...
if you are using hte factory carden (CV) joint for the rear driveshaft, (and i recommend you do) then the actual pipe piece is exactly 2" long. i have done many of these swaps. it the tranny is out of a 60 series then the tranny tower will be back exactly 3" from stock.
HTHs
cheers

 

[gagnier]

would anyone know which trans mount I should use for the h55, or is there even a difference between the 4spd and 5 spd mount?

cheers

 

[lowenbrau]

I can't say its easier but I moved the engine/ tranny forward by the three inches. I used the same driveshafts, the tranny was from a 60 or 70 so the tower came up in the right location, I mounted the stock tranny crossmember with the rear holes in the front holes on the frame and then drilled new ones for the front. Drilled out the rivits for the engine mounts and welded them to a scab plate which I welded to the frame 3" forward. Chopped 3" out of the fan shroud and Bob's Peter's uncle.

 

[crushers]

would anyone know which trans mount I should use for the h55, or is there even a difference between the 4spd and 5 spd mount?

cheers

not enough difference to worry about...

 

[gagnier]

thanks !

hopefully I can get one thru carquest