Im New, I Dont Know What to Do (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

TwelveGravity

TwelveGravity

Joined
Jan 2, 2014
Threads
72
Messages
559
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Hello all, I am new to this forum.
I just purchased an ol Cruiser that’s for the most part built already. It has a 5.7L V8, set up for trails. The previous owner had an automatic 4L60E transmission in it. I will be putting a manual back in now. I’ve purchased an SM465 mated with an NP205 transfer case which I recently found I cannot use since the rear axle is offset. I do have an Orion 4-1 case as well that I will be using now. I will post pictures once I figure out how to.
I’m really eager to get started working on it and get it out on the trail. I will be utilizing this forum for guidance as I am not familiar with FJ's and new to the rig half built. Any help would be greatly Appreciated. :D
 
I would get the Advance Adapters manual for FJ40s to see what they show. Also, search and read the ton of threads out there on FJ40s with v8s.
 
most wheelers I know prefer automatic over a manual transmission - I would suggest you wheel it first on your favorite trails and then decide what you really need to do to make it wheel better :steer: - it's much more fun to be out on the trail compared to having a hulk of unusable metal in your garage; just sayin'
 
if its just a trail rig the offset drive shaft wont matter as many vehicles came that way from the factory and some still do .my 42 gmc 6x6 has 2 offset drive shafts and after 70 years have not been a problem its a dump and hauls stuff where normal trucks wont go .
 
Thank you All for your feedback.

1. Super 40 - I do plan to make the Cruiser street legal.
2. Tancruiser - First thing I did to it was pull that speaker box! I dont want that racket :bang:

3. DSRTRDR - The previous owner is a friend of mine, He had a 4L60E in it but experienced a few clearance issues with drive train. Ive felt more comfortable with standard transmissions.

I appreciate your help and feedback. Im eager to get working on this and get it out on the trail. I will keep putting pictures up as I go along.
 
Congrats on the new rig! Interesting coil over setup in the rear. How much articulation can you get on the rear axle? Good luck!
 
SteveH said:
I would get the Advance Adapters manual for FJ40s to see what they show. Also, search and read the ton of threads out there on FJ40s with v8s.
Click to expand...

I just got off the phone with Advance Adapters. They mentioned that it would be very difficult to run the SM465 due to the fact that the V8 is shorter than the original motor which in turn would bring the transmission closer. The shift lever will end up being under the dash. They strongly recommend sticking with an automatic transmission vs the standard. One of the other FJ's that wheel with us has a V8 with the 4 speed and just modified & bent the shift levers to reach the original opening in the floor board. He said there is a conversion guide in thier tech vault (on the web site) that I could download but i cannot access it from my computer...:censor: Good thing I didnt already order that $600 clutch & flywheel kit.

I guess for now I will continue to read up on a few threads and stick to working on the small things. On a side note, I did order some new seats today :D
 
Why not? I am running a 700r4/Dana 300 with factory offset rear. I can do highway speeds of up 98mph without rearend vibes. I can go faster, but its not the best steering beyond 90mph. I refuse to be outran by a minivan powered Heep. Regardless of my childish indecisions others run the offset rear with centered tcase.
40aroundtown.jpg
 
Last edited:
jim land said:
keep the orion for the 4 to 1 ratio and offset axle

this 40 is high, you better make a cage and maybe lowering it

you may want a high steer and saginaw or scout box

nice color :)
Click to expand...

I do plan to keep the 4-1 Orion Case. It does stand pretty tall but I hope to widen its stance a bit before I take it out. If it continues to be a problem and feels top heavy then I will look into lowering it a bit. A cage is in the works. I’m definitely interested in High steer, I would like to see if I can’t get a six shooter type knuckle setup for it as well. Also contemplating if I will need hydro assist to run 37's (I dont plant to run the wheels and tires shown in the pictures, The plan is a set of 37x14x16.5 on a set of military beadlocks).

Cruisertime said:
Why not? I am running a 700r4/Dana 300 with factory offset rear. I can do highway speeds of up 98mph without rearend vibes. I can go faster, but its not the best steering beyond 90mph. I refuse to be outran by a minivan powered Heep. Regardless of my childish indecisions others run the offset rear with centered tcase.
Click to expand...

How do you like the 700R4? I searched some of your threads looking for a build thread on your (very nice) cruiser. I doubt I will attempt to run anywhere close to 98mph with this rear tri-link butIm sure I would still give a minivan a run for its money :steer:
 
So last nigh I downloaded and printed out Advance Adapters 47 page Conversion guide found in thier Tech Vault and did some reading.
""
When considering an aftermarket transmission, it is important to determine what type of transmission you require. We have listed
these options to be use as a guide in making your decision. We suggest that you make your choice depending on the way you drive
and the age of your vehicle. We have listed only the transmissions that we offer adapters for. The standard modifications and gear
ratios are also included in this section""
After reading through it seams that the best options for transmissions would be the TH350 if an automatic was chosen or the NV4500 if a standard is chosen.

""The GM transmissions you can use are the TH350, TH400,
700R, 4L60, 4L60E & 4L80E. The Ford transmission that you can use is the C4 automatic. Automatic transmissions are excellent
for 4WD conversions since they eliminate the need for clutch linkage modifications. The added length of the transmission can
sometimes be limiting and, at other times, is an asset towards the elimination of driveshaft modifications.""

Standard Transmission..
""The GM truck transmissions
can be the Muncie SM420, SM465, and NV4500. The Ford truck transmissions include the Ford T18 or the
NP435. These transmissions offer a super low 1st gear ratio which is excellent for offroad use when rocky
terrain is involved. For normal everyday driving, the 1st gear is very seldom used. The disadvantages of these types of transmissions is the weight along with stiff shifting.""

I will need to research both options.. Sounds like the automatic would be an easier installation yet will also create more clearance issues between the front drive line and the oil pan. The Standard NV4500 would also be a good choice but then would also need a new flywheel and clutch kit as well as all the shift linkage.

So one thing I am curious of is what choice would most wheelers chose? I’ve never wheeled with an automatic but would imagine that its easier. If you had your choice... Auto or Standard??? As always, your input is greatly appreciated. Thank You
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

fj40cm1980
Anyone know what this guy goes into??
Replies
8
Views
998
wimberosa
wimberosa
T
what to do about a cracked manifold in california model 1977
2
Replies
23
Views
2K
fjc-man
fjc-man
C
  • Question
What tools do you keep in your FJ40?
2 3
Replies
42
Views
4K
65swb45
65swb45
TemboTusk
What is this part and what does it do???
2
Replies
22
Views
2K
TemboTusk
TemboTusk

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom