Nope.
O R I O N (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter Poser
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Nope.
That's poopy, but good to know. Thanks.
Check around, someone may be hoarding. @orangefj45 may know of something.
What trans are you mating to? Have you considered a 3:1 Split T-Case?
@cruiseroutfit
Just thinking ahead at this point on how to build a more robust setup.
Running an SM420 to 3 speed case (early brittle casting, with Georg's saver and nose cone ring). Discovered a crack where a loose bolt must have traveled between the low gear and bottom of case, need to clean it up and figure out if its fatally injured. Have 2 extra 3 speed cases on hand (1 brittle, one a '74 soft casting). 3:1 would work perfect with the SM420 ratios to place 1st and 2nd high range ratios nicely between 2nd, 3rd and 4th low range ratios. (so there's a good spread of options for running mud or a second run at a failed hill climb)
Have other options on hand (H55F-split, souped up A440F-split) that would work with new gears in t-case and/or diff. But if there's a 3:1 Orion looking for a home....
Just thinking ahead at this point on how to build a more robust setup.
Running an SM420 to 3 speed case (early brittle casting, with Georg's saver and nose cone ring). Discovered a crack where a loose bolt must have traveled between the low gear and bottom of case, need to clean it up and figure out if its fatally injured. Have 2 extra 3 speed cases on hand (1 brittle, one a '74 soft casting). 3:1 would work perfect with the SM420 ratios to place 1st and 2nd high range ratios nicely between 2nd, 3rd and 4th low range ratios. (so there's a good spread of options for running mud or a second run at a failed hill climb)
Have other options on hand (H55F-split, souped up A440F-split) that would work with new gears in t-case and/or diff. But if there's a 3:1 Orion looking for a home....
Last edited:
2:1, 2.3:1, 3:1, 3.3:1 and 4:1 are all possibilities with the split case.
. Keep in mind the 3.3:1 & 4:1 have high range underdrive too.
orangefj45
Supporting Vendor
AA discontinued the 3:1 Orion kit roughly 8 years ago; they just weren’t selling any of them.
The split case is definitely a viable alternative, especially given all the different gear ratios we have available to us ( and in stock ).
These cases are also plenty strong although they are slightly larger than the “early case”.
Georg @ Valley Hybrids @ Cruiser Brothers
The split case is definitely a viable alternative, especially given all the different gear ratios we have available to us ( and in stock ).
These cases are also plenty strong although they are slightly larger than the “early case”.
Georg @ Valley Hybrids @ Cruiser Brothers
Thank you Georg for getting mine done . I was super busy today and didn’t have much time to talk to Rork but I got the email tonite . I will call you in the morning. Thank you again
This thing is beautiful. The attention to detail speaks volumes. Thank you Georg and everyone at Valley Hybrids
Last edited:
Just wanted to report I have about 11 years on my 4:1 ratio Orion now, and it is my daily driver, and occasionaly I wheel it. Only problem I've had is gear oil pumping from the t-case to the transmission. I added a hose from t-case to transmission fill plug for now till I can put in a new seal.
Blue77FJ40
SILVER Star
If I were you, I'd keep the overflow hose. For some reason, the seals don't seem to last. Better to have it and not need it than...
Thanks for the tip, I am going to keep it, I also put an inline strainer in the hose, it is stainless steel mesh, not too fine, so it does not impede the flow of the thick gear oil.
EWheeler
GOLD Star
Any idea who built it? This is great feedback!
I built it myself, this video orion video has photos of it being built. I also have a build thread. 78 fj40 , 1kz-te , h55f , orion - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/78-fj40-1kz-te-h55f-orion.723496/
EWheeler
GOLD Star
Whoa. I was scratching my head reading H55f and orion, now I am scratching my head wondering how someone has so much talent and skills! Really really cool build.
Thank you so much. The Orion- H55f combo has had no issues so far other than the seal leaking. It has been amazing to drive. 70 MPH on the freeway is no problem. I get 24 MPG highway. I usually drive about 65 MPH. Diesel fuel is expensive, but still for a FJ40 this is pretty incredible.
Hey guys,
Just stumbled upon this thread and it's been super insightful. I've got an Orion #178 with the 4:1 ratio. Installed everything according to the manual and used most parts from my old t-case. Haven't experienced any popping out issues so far, fingers crossed. It's been my weekend warrior and so far, so good.
By the way, @peesalot, heard about those billet cones from a buddy, seems like they're a hot commodity right now. Hope you find one soon!
Cheers and keep on wheelin'!
Just stumbled upon this thread and it's been super insightful. I've got an Orion #178 with the 4:1 ratio. Installed everything according to the manual and used most parts from my old t-case. Haven't experienced any popping out issues so far, fingers crossed. It's been my weekend warrior and so far, so good.
By the way, @peesalot, heard about those billet cones from a buddy, seems like they're a hot commodity right now. Hope you find one soon!
Cheers and keep on wheelin'!
Hi everyone,
I've also noticed the sound issue with the YZD series transmission. It might be due to wear and tear of internal components from prolonged usage. I recommend regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out parts to ensure the equipment's longevity and smooth operation.
Regarding the ZTD302, I've had experience with it in the past, and it does seem more durable than other models. However, as @user123 pointed out, the key is to ensure it's compatible with other parts of the four-wheel drive.
I've also noticed the sound issue with the YZD series transmission. It might be due to wear and tear of internal components from prolonged usage. I recommend regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out parts to ensure the equipment's longevity and smooth operation.
Regarding the ZTD302, I've had experience with it in the past, and it does seem more durable than other models. However, as @user123 pointed out, the key is to ensure it's compatible with other parts of the four-wheel drive.
Hello bot
