needing some advice

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Joined
Jan 19, 2011
Threads
7
Messages
36
Location
ALASKA
hey there. im new to the forum so point me in the right direction if these are stupid questions. i drive a 1980 4x4 standard shortbed. swapped out for the 22r. i picked up a good parts 4runner a standard 85. was hoping to use alot of parts from it. anyway i got stuck up here in the alaskan snow an i think i fried the clutch. but heres where i need a knowledgable fellow. i managed to get it out, but no matter if i use the clutch or not, it will "shift" into gear but wont move or anything. from all the experience i have from fried clutches, you wouldnt be able to get it into gear. it doesnt make any noise or anything, can take it out of 4 wheel an back no clutch needed. so is it the clutch or that crappy L54 tranny? im stumped also hosed. another question i had was will that 85 standard swap over without complications? i appreciate any imput, and if you need any further info, let me know. thanks
 
I'm a little confused, can you shift it into gear? You can, but the truck still doesn't move?

If you aren't hearing any scary noises then I'd lean towards the clutch being totally smoked.

As far as the W56 swap out of the 4Runner, I think you should have everything you need to swap it over. You may need to use the 85 crossmember and drive shafts. Start bolting stuff up and see how it goes.

Welcome to Mud!!!! :flipoff2: We're gonna need pics before we just start dishing out free advice! Hehehe :cheers:
 
another vote for a shmoked clutch.

you might have some crossmember locating to do. I think the newer 5 speed sits a bit further back on the frame rails.

The shafts are not gonna bolt up either. Might need some length adjustments.

You will need to use the runner top half and the slip off of the old shafts on the bottom. The newer rig has larger bolts on the flanges that the old one.


Keep your old stock topshift Tcase too for a future doubler.
 
Is the T-case in neutral? That generally means shift but no-go.

As to parts: The W56 is a great transmission, and driveline parts are more or less the only pieces of that 4Runner useable, 85 is when Toyota shortened the block's deck height and upgraded the head.
That said, the L52's a decent transmission. I havwe one in my 83, and though it's not as refined as the W-series inn terms of shifting, the housing is cast iron, and far more robust. I've read that upgraded bearings in an L52 makes it comparable to a W56.

2nd gen's right: a dead tranny usually makes tons on noise, thumping, grinding, pinging.
 
thanks guys for the imput. the engine starts and runs fine, no the transfercase is not in nuetral, it seems like it but no. no noises went shifting t case with no clutch use, same for trans. wierd huh? could that be a clutch issue, or could it be in the shift linkage inside the trans. could it be the spline on the clutch that got stripped? im stumped, an just not looking forward to tearing her down in the snow...
 
since im at it i might as well ask another question dealing with this truck. ive been having trouble with the axels an 4 wheel drive.
the 4 wheel works but as soon as i lock the hubs weather im in 4 or 2 wheel, theres a pretty discouraging rumble/vibration with some noise at 40+
i guess its time to cash in and overhaul the old bird, was hoping to make it to spring but hey, thats how it goes.

appreciate everything guys, dont have alot of other resources.
 
I would also transplant the front axle for three reasons. 1. The axle is gussetted. 2. The brake rotors on your truck can be hard to find and using the hubs from the 1985 will allow you to also use vented Land Cruiser rotors in the future. 3. AISIN hubs, baby.

The rumble is probably worn u-joints or out of phase shafts.
 
the w56 is too long and wont bolt up with out modifying the crossmember. and you must modiody the one in your 80

Anything can be solved with a welder, a grinder, and a little ingenuity.
 
Same no go issue just happened to a buddy

Center section of the clutch disc came apart from friction section
No noise and no go
 
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