LS Swap Transmission Question

[Alberta40fan]

Looking for some advice from those who have done it, I am swapping an LS 5.3 or 4.8 depending on what I can find into my 77 FJ40. I have been researching transmission options and am undecided between an H55F with a splitcase or finding a 4L60E and adapting the stock 4 speed transfer case.

In my area (Alberta Canada) finding a H55F combo with the proper input shaft is proving difficult as most came behind the B series diesels that I've found. By the time I swap the input shaft, rebuild the trans and t-case, find a parking brake solution and adapt it to the LS its getting up there in price. Not to mention the crappy exchange rates on getting parts into Canada currently.

Is there any reason I shouldn't adapt the 4 speed transfer case to a 4L60E and run with that? at the very least it solves the parking brake issue.

I should mention this is a fairly mild build, 2.5" lift with 33's mostly going to be used for around town cruising with the kids.

 

[charliemeyer007]

You couldn't pay me to drive a slop bucket transmission. But is your rig so your way. Have you read threw the build threads, I'm sure there are more than that cover what you are doing. Then there is Advanced Adapters with all their stuff

 

[1911]

Looking for some advice from those who have done it, I am swapping an LS 5.3 or 4.8 depending on what I can find into my 77 FJ40. I have been researching transmission options and am undecided between an H55F with a splitcase or finding a 4L60E and adapting the stock 4 speed transfer case.

In my area (Alberta Canada) finding a H55F combo with the proper input shaft is proving difficult as most came behind the B series diesels that I've found. By the time I swap the input shaft, rebuild the trans and t-case, find a parking brake solution and adapt it to the LS its getting up there in price. Not to mention the crappy exchange rates on getting parts into Canada currently.

Is there any reason I shouldn't adapt the 4 speed transfer case to a 4L60E and run with that? at the very least it solves the parking brake issue.

I should mention this is a fairly mild build, 2.5" lift with 33's mostly going to be used for around town cruising with the kids.

A Tremec transmission is an option, but I’ve never done one so I don’t know which transfer cases will bolt up to it.

McLeod Racing TREMEC TR-4050 4x2 GM 5 Speed - TDET18574 - https://www.lethalperformance.com/mcleod-racing-tremec-tr-4050-4x2-gm-5-speed-tdet18574.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23065495377&gbraid=0AAAAAD8kLOM5VWBGvZLHDHKepHq9g92xx&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0JuJ7cmtlQMVyHR_AB0xQyWHEAkYAiABEgLGDfD_BwE

 

[NCFJ]

You can use the Tremec 4050/Atlas adapter/split case (60) Atlas is only about an inch thick

 

[Alberta40fan]

I've looked at all the options Tremec TR4050, NP4500, H55F just want to make sure I'm not missing anything before I pull the trigger. From my estimate I will be into an H55F for around $7K by the time I do everything I listed above and that would be for a used unit....

 

[NCFJ]

I have an NV4500 with adapter already bolted on for a split case for sale. PM if interested.

That said, I've swapped all three into 60 series behind LS motors and I'd put the Tremec in my own truck.

 

[Alberta40fan]

I've been reading about the TR4050 just haven't found any builds where anyone has used one.

Rolled it into my garage in May, versus how it sits today. Just finished replacing the rear frame channel, shackle hangers and rear braces thanks to some helpful people on here.

Just want to make a decision on drivetrain so I can starting mocking things up.

 

[cruisermatt]

There’s a lot of variables and pros/cons to each option.
Really depends on how you are going to use the vehicle and how much project you want.
There’s really no “right” answer.
I have done every single one of them multiple times into my own and customer vehicles.
Happy to help with advice and parts for any of them.
407-257-3693

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Rear drive shaft can be small. Do some dimension checks beforehand. If you do a 4L60E it will be short but folks have done it. Definitely have your transmission builder make it a 4L65E. Stronger.