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.

 

[Wasatch Jay]

FJ40 rear springs are not symmetrical as far as the distance from the center bolt. If you flip the rear springs end-for-end that will move the rear axle aft about 4". Of course that also means there will be clearance problems with the rear tires and wheel well openings.

If you are planning on replacing the rear quarter panels anyway, now would be the time.

I recall Sogncab (among others) did this modification, and I believe he liked the result. Perhaps he'll chime in....

 

[fireflyr]

The 5.3/4L60e is a great combination and Tom Woods can build you a double Cardan rear driveshaft and a narrow DS for the front; which you’ll need for the oil pan clearance.
I didn’t move my axle back because I switched to a rear mounted Downey gas tank. My DS is 15.5” and works great. No vibration.
There are quite a few threads on LS swaps that detail solving all the inevitable problems that go with building them. Once you get through it you’ll have a great driving vehicle. Just do the research. I’ve had better luck searching FJ40 LS Swap on the internet than using the search function here. It always brings you back to MUD. Good luck. I love mine.

 

[sogncab]

I recall Sogncab (among others) did this modification, and I believe he liked the result. Perhaps he'll chime in....

Way better driving, doesn't look wildly different, departure angle is much improved. I would recommend it.

The longer wheelbase helps a ton for driveability.

 

[Alberta40fan]

Decided on a H55F splitcase combo, next will be figuring out a rear parking brake. Really like the looks of the conversion to newer series brake components that I've seen detailed.

 

[sogncab]

Decided on a H55F splitcase combo, next will be figuring out a rear parking brake. Really like the looks of the conversion to newer series brake components that I've seen detailed.

@cruisermatt can hook you up with that.

 

[Alberta40fan]

Rear brake adapters are ordered from @cruisermatt I have found a used H55F out of an HJ60 for a decent price up here but has 375,000kms on it. Lots of B series transmissions available locally but they would need the input shaft swapped and would probably need a refresh before I would want to use them.

The current USD to CAD exchange rates are a killer when sourcing parts. A new H55F and splitcase turns into a $8500 purchase for me once I bring it across the border

 

[Alberta40fan]

I’m sure someone on here has had an H55F apart, is it worth trying to rebuild one?

Buy a used splitcase and a new transmission?

I’ve priced out a new transmission and splitcase from Japan but the shipping to Canada is outrageous

 

[DangerNoodle]

I’m sure someone on here has had an H55F apart, is it worth trying to rebuild one?

Buy a used splitcase and a new transmission?

I’ve priced out a new transmission and splitcase from Japan but the shipping to Canada is outrageous

Have you checked with @cruiseroutfit?

 

[Alberta40fan]

Have you checked with @cruiseroutfit?

Yes, I’ve priced it out with them

 

[Living in the Past]

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.

Seen your classified ad want to trade a H55F with a B series engine. If your planning on rebuilding one you get would just find a H41 input shaft and four speed bearing retainer and rebuild the one you can get local.

No matter how you go it's not going to be cheap. Rebuilding that H55F and adding a hand brake to the split case might be one of the cheapest options. Using a one piece transfer case will require an adapter unless your using the original four speed. Wouldn't do that unless going Orion behind a LS. Again a more expense.

 

[peesalot]

Maybe ring Georg for the H55 questions and yes on the splitcase, Georg has drum e-brakes for the output for the splitcase as well. Unless a gear or specific component is roasted you should be able to find the bearings. I dont recall if the rear disc stuff from Matt incorporates an e-brake ?