I need help/advice with my many questions about my FJ40 transmission. I have a 1974 FJ40 4-speed transmission roars (sounds/feels like bearings are gone, comes and goes at speeds over 40 mph) and I had a local transmission guy confirm it needed a rebuild. He said parts were discontinued and he couldn't help me. I would prefer to pay someone to rebuild it if was at a reasonable cost. I would even be willing to pay a little bit more if the 5-speed swap was an option but I'm not willing to pay more than the value of the vehicle itself. While doing research on this, I don't see many people rebuilding the 4 speed. I've been able to find a few original used transmissions that people claim are good but I'm concerned about being in the same situation after a week or so of running a transmission that has been full of rain water for 30 years.
What is everyone else doing when their transmission needs a rebuild? I'm open to anything but if I'm looking at $3k+ for a rebuilt 4-speed then I'm going to consider an engine/driveline swap and I know nobody here wants to see that, right?
Should I plan on a transfer case rebuild while I have it out or can that wait until it becomes a squeaky wheel?
Does anyone offer a local or mail-in rebuild service? Local to Raleigh or I can ship it to them. If needed I can remove and reinstall myself but I've had a few back surgeries and prefer to outsource if possible.
What is the best direction to go in my situation?
1. rebuild 4-speed?
2. install new/used 5-speed of some sort? I've read that new driveshafts might be needed? How about transfer case? etc?
3. Are there any trans/t-case swaps that come from any other models? 4runner, pickups, the "J-word", etc?
4. For option 4, I'm hoping you guys have already been getting creative and I'm just not finding the answer in my searches.
I'm located near Raleigh, NC.
Any help and/or advice is greatly appreciated!
-Doug
What is everyone else doing when their transmission needs a rebuild? I'm open to anything but if I'm looking at $3k+ for a rebuilt 4-speed then I'm going to consider an engine/driveline swap and I know nobody here wants to see that, right?
Should I plan on a transfer case rebuild while I have it out or can that wait until it becomes a squeaky wheel?
Does anyone offer a local or mail-in rebuild service? Local to Raleigh or I can ship it to them. If needed I can remove and reinstall myself but I've had a few back surgeries and prefer to outsource if possible.
What is the best direction to go in my situation?
1. rebuild 4-speed?
2. install new/used 5-speed of some sort? I've read that new driveshafts might be needed? How about transfer case? etc?
3. Are there any trans/t-case swaps that come from any other models? 4runner, pickups, the "J-word", etc?
4. For option 4, I'm hoping you guys have already been getting creative and I'm just not finding the answer in my searches.
I'm located near Raleigh, NC.
Any help and/or advice is greatly appreciated!
-Doug