Lj73 transfer case question (1 Viewer)

[SHF]

Hi all. I have a question for my mother. After wanting a Landcruiser for about 35 years and the ripe age of 76 she bought a Lj73 last week. It's a 1988 5 speed with a turbo diesel with 60k on the clock. She just wanted something to take her dog for a ride in.
Owning and wrenching on older Defenders, she ask me what she should do first. I suggested she first have all the oils replaced. She did, however they forgot to put oil back in her transfer case. On the way home from the shop the t-case gave up on her. The shop is going to make good on the problem, but every toyota shop she calls can't seem to find a replacement t-case.
Are the transfer cases on the lj73 different from the Bj? Basically I want to know what are her options for a new case. I'm in Vermont and she lives in Texas so going over and looking for myself isn't a options and I haven't been able to find the info online.

Thanks in advanced for your help.. She only got to drive it a total of 3 hours before this happend, so she a little upset about it and it's why I'm asking. Here is a pic of the tag she sent me.

 

[OGBeno]

You can get a new transfer case from Cruiser Outfitters, Toyota, or post up in the Classifieds section here on MUD and maybe someone has one to sell to you.

 

[SHF]

Thank you for your reply. I found a list here on MUD of shops in Texas that work on landcruisers, but when she spoke to them they said they couldn't find a transfer case that would work. Even the toyota dealership said they couldn't get one. They made it sound as if the LJ had a rare one. That didn't really make sense to me, so that's why I came here.

What is the model transfer case for the LJ?

They also made it seem that part of the problem might be finding the right gear ratio. Once again I'm not sure about that, but I only know land rovers. With them almost all parts are interchangeable with other models......although they have to replaced often.

 

[mcmarshing]

Per your VIN, you have an R151F trans, which is mated to a VF1A chain-driven transfer case. Any 3VZE powered Toyota Pickup from 89-94 has the same transfer case. I would also add Marlin Crawler to your list of people to call, they specialize in older Toyota Pickup transmission rebuilds and transfer cases, and I usually go to them for any of the “light duty” Hilux/Land Cruiser/Pickup side of things.

 

[SHF]

Thank you! This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping to get.

 

[cruisermatt]

Per your VIN, you have an R151F trans, which is mated to a VF1A chain-driven transfer case. Any 3VZE powered Toyota Pickup from 89-94 has the same transfer case. I would also add Marlin Crawler to your list of people to call, they specialize in older Toyota Pickup transmission rebuilds and transfer cases, and I usually go to them for any of the “light duty” Hilux/Land Cruiser/Pickup side of things.

This is not correct.

The LJ73 will have a splitcase.

 

[mcmarshing]

I may be wrong. only way to check is for you to visually see what transfer case you have.

US VF1A PN is: 36100-35531
Generic 2LT LJ seems to be: 36100-6C190

So, might be a different T-Case - either way it’s available for $2800 ish new from Toyota for either.

 

[mcmarshing]

@cruisermatt i stand corrected thank you!

 

[AirheadNut]

This is not correct.

The LJ73 will have a splitcase.

^This. To my knowledge, all 70-series at least through 1999 use the same split case as the 60-series, regardless of transmission. The differences in part number may be due to vacuum actuated 4wd or a different input spline adapter for various transmission applications.

Depending on how badly damaged the transfer case is a rebuild with new gears may be possible, though complete replacement is probably the better option if the shop will be doing it. As stated above, @cruiseroutfit would be a good place to get either a rebuild kit or a whole new transfer case.

 

[Felde]

Make them use an OEM replacement or at least a reconditioned one from a reputated source. They messed it up, so let them pay.
Don't give that quality shop a chance to mess around with a T-case rebuild... Mating the split case trany may already be out of their competence.
In particular with an elderly lady being the customer. They could sell anything to her.
Maybe you can find a competent person down there to overlook the endeavor for your mother?
Good luck Ralf

 

[SHF]

Make them use an OEM replacement or at least a reconditioned one from a reputated source. They messed it up, so let them pay.
Don't give that quality shop a chance to mess around with a T-case rebuild... Mating the split case trany may already be out of their competence.
In particular with an elderly lady being the customer. They could sell anything to her.
Maybe you can find a competent person down there to overlook the endeavor for your mother?
Good luck Ralf

Thanks. My father called Matt (@cruisermatt) and he's going to get them a new transfer case and have it sent to the shop they're using. I'm not sure which shop they are going with, but it is from a list I found here on MUD, not the one who changed the oil. However, that shop did file an insurance claim and it will all be covered. If there's any cost not covered the owner said he'd pay the rest.
Also, my mother asked me to thank all of the nice people who helped her out on this. I spoke to her earlier and she sounded very excited that this is getting resolved and the possibility of getting her new " puddle jumper" back. Seriously, thank you from me as well. I get a lot of support over on defender source for my rig and it's good to know that this site is just as informative, kind and helpful.

 

[OGBeno]

What part number was sourced for the new transfer case?

 

[SHF]

What part number was sourced for the new transfer case?

Im not sure, Matt will have to chime in on that. I spoke to my father after he called Matt and he did say it was the geared one and not the chain.

 

[cruisermatt]

Planning to coordinate with the shop it is at next week. Still have not verified wether it is vac or manual shift. Either way both versions along with all necessary additional parts are in stock here

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Planning to coordinate with the shop it is at next week. Still have not verified wether it is vac or manual shift. Either way both versions along with all necessary additional parts are in stock here

You stock a new vacuum shift tcase? How soon can you ship? Cruise Moab guy had one fail en route home.

 

[cruisermatt]

You stock a new vacuum shift tcase? How soon can you ship? Cruise Moab guy had one fail en route home.

Just one at a time
Send him my info? I might be able to get a good used one sent his way, do you know what broke?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Just one at a time
Send him my info? I might be able to get a good used one sent his way, do you know what broke?

Is the new vacuum one you have available? We have and can get him a used case and rebuild parts but he's now in Nevada and working with a small shop not super familiar with Cruisers. He'd love a new complete case to hand them, nothing we've ever stocked, didn't realize anyone had them. Sounds like he's reached out to Georg on a new one as well.

I've not seen the case but it sounds like the idler shaft came out the back, dropped the shim and trashed the gears and front half of aluminum case.

 

[cruisermatt]

Is the new vacuum one you have available? We have and can get him a used case and rebuild parts but he's now in Nevada and working with a small shop not super familiar with Cruisers. He'd love a new complete case to hand them, nothing we've ever stocked, didn't realize anyone had them. Sounds like he's reached out to Georg on a new one as well.

I've not seen the case but it sounds like the idler shaft came out the back, dropped the shim and trashed the gears and front half of aluminum case.

It has @SHF mom’s name on it.

Fastest will be used parts obviously.

 

[SHF]

I meant to update sooner, but my mom is back on the road. A HUGE thanks to @cruisermatt ! My mom can't speak highly enough for your help. She turned 76 last week and is as happy as a teenager wheeling around in her "new" cruiser.