missing the bottom of the bellhousing???

[TEXASgirl]

I've looked at two land cruisers in the past few weeks with a V8 conversion. Both seem to be "missing" the bottom of the bellhousing. Does this sound common? Not sure exactly what I was looking at. It's my first FJ. Appreciate feedback!

TEXASgirl

 

[hellbent40]

with the V8 conversion was the tranny still a landcruiser tranny ..
or different??

 

[vk7ybi]

Probably just missing the inspection cover, exposing the flywheel and clutch?

 

[65swb45]

Probably just missing the inspection cover, exposing the flywheel and clutch?

My guess too.

Are you looking as a prospective buyer, or helping a friend who's looking? With a V-8, I'd be looking at many, MANY more things of potential concern than a cover.

Best

Mark A.

 

[bikersmurf]

Sounds like chev bellhousing with an adaptor plate between it and a fj40 trans. Some of these were well made and many were home brew.

When I did my conversion the larger companies argued that the dowel alignment was lost leading to premature clutch failure.

Be very cautious of these conversions as corners may have been cut. The worst I saw had the front of the block supported by two steel triangles bolted onto the engine block with a few small bolts. Inspect especially carefully engine mounts, welds, access to spark plugs, and everything else modified.

If in doubt take pictures and ask. (or just walk away)

 

[GarageRat]

The only pre-modified '40 we bought had a very roughly installed v8 conversion, it was an advance adapters setup but the welds and alignment were horrific. Luckily this rig was destined for a complete rework so this wasn't an issue but talk to the current owner about all modifications and find out who did it. I've seen way too many owner done modifications involving gas torches and general poor execution. Get under it and closely inspect the welds, if you want to keep the current mounts then you'll want to make sure the beads look safe.

 

[i1uhrace]

My Marks V8 conversion is the same way. The clutch should be fully enclosed and the adapter is open on the bottom.

 

[bikersmurf]

There was recently a post showing pictures of a Marks adaptor.
They bolt between the Toyota bell housing and the Chev block.

You'll want to do your research and know what you're getting. Many with well done conversion will never sell. Most with poorly done will when it becomes to much of a PITA.

Be cautious.

 

[GarageRat]

Many with well done conversion will never sell. Most with poorly done will when it becomes to much of a PITA.

Be cautious.

Very true, modified ones are usually either extremely nice and being sold for a new project or poorly done and being sold to get rid of a burden. Haven't seen many in the middle .

 

[TEXASgirl]

Thanks for the feedback guys. It actually looks like a marks adapter with the bottom taken out of it. I'll try to describe: If you were looking at the adapter like you would a clock (instead of looking up from the bottom of the vehicle) and drew an imaginary horizontal line from 8 oclock to 4 o clock, it is missing everything below that "line". (Sorry if thats a confusing comparison). Also; if you ARE looking up from the bottom there are bolt holes that look like it would allow for an access panel to be bolted back on.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Photos would be nice!

Just saying!

Regards,

Alan

 

[Plowboy]

A Marks adaptor is completely round, no missing bottom section. The bottom cover on a mark's is in front of the flywheel. What you are discribing is an older gm cast bellhousing. There should be four threaded holes when looking up from the bottom. Two back by the transmission and one by the starter and one by the oil filter. There are also two threaded holes on the engine side of the bell. ONe above the starter and one behind the oil filter. The inspection covers are two piece. One in front of the flywheel and a second on the bottom.

 

[3jvj]

Mine's been missing for so long that I forgot it was missing.

 

[Downey]

The original Downey bellhousings (using remachined Chevy cast iron bellhousings), and the current Advance Adapters aluminum bellhousings use a genuine Chevy bottom cover that bolts into the bolt pattern you are seeing in your 8 o-clock to 4 o-clock area. Those bottom covers are available new, used, steel ,plastic, your call!!!

 

[TEXASgirl]

but with that missing didnt you have problems off roading? with all sort of crap getting up into the clutch and flywheel?

 

[65swb45]

but with that missing didnt you have problems off roading? with all sort of crap getting up into the clutch and flywheel?

Only once. In DEEP water.

 

[TEXASgirl]

I accidently deleted the pictures I had. I will try and get some more in the next few days.