L43 to G58 Tranny on 1980 Hilux

[Hilux80]

So I've located a 5 speed G58 transmission and associated parts for just $300, my hilux is currently running the stock L43 4 speed transmission. Upon some further research online Wayne and I saw that the L43 tranny is usually only for RWD trucks and cars, however my truck has rear wheel high, four wheel high and four wheel low. The G58 should fit in nicely with some minor mods, but does anyone have any information on the differences between the first and second generation G58? And what's the deal with the L43 supposedly being RWD only? I just signed up yesterday and this is my first thread so take it easy on me haha, Cheers!

 

[pappy]

Just about all the mini truck transmissions were available on both 2WD and 4WD trucks. The major difference was the tail housing. The 4WD versions allowed for the mating of a transfer case.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

The 4wd version of the G58, is backed by the chain driven transfer case. If you're goal is to turn this into a rock crawler of any sort, you will eventually want a gear driven transfer case which came behind the the W56, G52, L43 etc...

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Swapping to the G58 will require a different/modified cross member, drive shaft modifications, and most likely modifications to the transmission hump (floor). I'm sure it's been done before however.

I am not aware of an early vs later version of the G58. Where did you see that there was a difference?

 

[Hilux80]

Swapping to the G58 will require a different/modified cross member, drive shaft modifications, and most likely modifications to the transmission hump (floor). I'm sure it's been done before however.

I am not aware of an early vs later version of the G58. Where did you see that there was a difference?

My boss and I plan on doing all of the mods ourselves, I'm hoping it won't be too challenging haha. The bell housing should be the same though, right?
I was told by Wayne that I should try and find any differences between 1st and 2nd gen g58 trannies, but he is a cruiserhead so I don't know how accurate he is lol. I'm just getting into the Toyota scene, being only 17 years old, so I don't really have a whole lot of knowledge about specifics. Was there only 1 version of the g58? Thanks for your help!

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Yes, the bell housings are the same bolt pattern for 20R and 22R/RE engines. If there are 2 versions of the G58, I'm sure either would work fine for your swap. Good luck, and take some pictures!

 

[Dedtruk]

My boss and I plan on doing all of the mods ourselves, I'm hoping it won't be too challenging haha. The bell housing should be the same though, right?
I was told by Wayne that I should try and find any differences between 1st and 2nd gen g58 trannies, but he is a cruiserhead so I don't know how accurate he is lol. I'm just getting into the Toyota scene, being only 17 years old, so I don't really have a whole lot of knowledge about specifics. Was there only 1 version of the g58? Thanks for your help!

Marlin's site shows just one version of the G58 but I have no personal knowledge with it either way. I've used the G54 and W56 trannies and prefer the G54 over the W56 ... for no logical reason, just feels nicer to me. Eh. I think if I were going to the trouble of swapping the L43, I'd source a W56 since it's widely available, has great aftermarket and forum support, and will adapt to just about any 4WD use you can think of (including OM617 - see 4x4 Labs). Just food for thought. Have fun and welcome to the forum!

Transmission | Marlin Crawler, Inc.