R150f in a wagon?

[Heckraiser]

In searching for an affordable alternative to the H55f for an isuzu diesel or SBC swap, I've resigned myself to the fact that I may have to ditch my rear axle. An NV4500 is way cheaper than an h55, but when you factor in $600 adapters at the front and rear of the transmission, you're well over $2000 before you even look at the clutch and flywheel. Seems to me NV4500 and H55 are pretty much the only 5-speed options when it comes to keeping the LC transfer case and axles, correct?

So then I thought, it would probably be cheaper to throw a centered rear axle under the wagon and open up the transmission/transfer options. Toyota r150f can be found for a few hundred dollars in the local classifieds, and mini-truck t-cases run $100-200 used. I could put a chevy adapter at the front of an r150f ($500), and run dual mini-truck cases and have nearly unlimited gearing options for less than an h55f. I could then pick up a 6-lug rear axle from a chevy truck or a woody wagon to complete the package (add spacers as necessary).

Has anyone ever done this? I thought I read somewhere that the r150f was a factory transmission on some version of the 60 series (bj60, perhaps?) but that could be my imagination. I know plenty of people run the vortec 4.3 with this transmission, so I think it's probably stout enough as long as I don't drive like a teenager.

What do you think?

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Freds40 did this, here is the link.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/221512-freds40-builds-60-a-39.html

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Post 775 btw

 

[Heckraiser]

Hmmm... good to see it's been done before. I had no idea a 2f could be matched to an r150. I guess it helps to be buddies with Marlin Crawler.

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

I'm sure that helps a bunch, but now that they have done it you might be able to call them up and buy an adapter plate.

 

[Tapage]

I'm sure that helps a bunch, but now that they have done it you might be able to call them up and buy an adapter plate.

don't forget the AX15 input ..

 

[lehiguy]

That is not in the same category as an H55 or NV4500 for outright strength. Not going to do a V8 and a trailer too many times before puking.

 

[Heckraiser]

I have no plans to tow anything... but I do want it to be reliable. There are plenty of people running a 4.3 in front of an r150f and at least a handful running the 5.7, but there's also a significant weight difference between the mini truck and the wagon.

The other option would be to find a complete GM truck with nv4500, 350, and TC and just gut the whole thing to cut down on the cost of adapters (which judging by your sig, looks kinda like what you did). There are plenty of trucks out there, but it'll be hard to find one that doesn't have a ton of miles.

 

[Hulsty]

R151's are standard fitment in HZJ78/79/105 landcruisers with split case transfer. They die prematurely behind N/A 1HZ's.

 

[meigsrock]

I thought about doing this too. I could probably put the whole drive train from a toyota tacoma using the 3.4L engine, R150 tranny and transfercase for the same price as a H55F tranny.

Apparantly there is a LJ78 t/case that came in some pickups 1985 to 1998 LJ71/78 series.
mini truck axles under a land cruiser.
off set t/case.

I am not familiar with this moddel as I think it is a Canada and non US truck. This would be a way to keep your rear LC axle but not sure on the price of those t-cases. There is a bit more on them in my post here:https://forum.ih8mud.com/79-95-toyo...4x4-sas-1986-toyota-chinook-camper-build.html

You could also buy a custom rear axle or have yours centered but may offset the cost so of course the cheapest way would be to use a HD junkyard axle like a dana 60.

I think that for all the hastle and custom fab work, time, and hidden costs, it would be eiser to bolt in the H55F. This may not hold true however if you are doing an engine swap.

 

[lehiguy]

I have no plans to tow anything... but I do want it to be reliable. There are plenty of people running a 4.3 in front of an r150f and at least a handful running the 5.7, but there's also a significant weight difference between the mini truck and the wagon.

The other option would be to find a complete GM truck with nv4500, 350, and TC and just gut the whole thing to cut down on the cost of adapters (which judging by your sig, looks kinda like what you did). There are plenty of trucks out there, but it'll be hard to find one that doesn't have a ton of miles.

Mine is sort of a patchwork, but it works well. The trans is a Chevy version NV4500, the T-case is from an early 90's Dodge. (They had the NP241 with passenger side front drop and a fixed yoke output). It accepted my speedo cable with a bit of tweaking to the cable end. The axle is a 14-bolt semi floater with six-lug shafts and disk brakes from some other Chevy. It was easy, stronger that stock and best of all, cheap.

 

[longbow]

Heckraiser,

I don't remember for sure, but I think RHINO is running that tranny in his FJ55 with an Isuzu 4BD1T in it. I think he posted it somewhere in the giant Isuzu 4BD1T thread. I can't remember if he is running a split case or just the toy truck case behind it. Search that thread or pm him and he will be able to tell you what he's got.

Thanks,

Don

 

[Heckraiser]

Thanks, I will check it out

 

[Heckraiser]

I've also been pondering this with the folks at 4btswaps.com, and they came up with another possibility:

Run a Dodge V8 pattern nv4500 and a dana 300 transfer case. No adapter required. I could then either find a 6-lug chevy axle or find someone to build me a double-CV driveshaft to run my stock axle. That would get the transmission and transfer case sorted out for around $2000, including the 4bd1t adapter. Still not as cheap as the r150f combo, but probably stronger.

 

[longbow]

That's a pretty rugged option. You could then take the double cv driveshaft from the 2000 era 4runners and probably get away with the stock diff if your lift isn't too radical.

I'm curious to see how you get this done.

Don

 

[Heckraiser]

Plus you can get a 4:1 gearset for the d300 for $600, which is pretty darn affordable when compared to a toybox, and easier than dual mini-truck cases.

 

[samibattlemaiden]

Not 100% on this but, if I remember correctly with the set up above the d300 is now your weak link and it takes a bit to get them beefed up. It's doable but, I don't think they are all that strong out if the box. (again no personal experience just what I've been told/read)

 

[Heckraiser]

Not 100% on this but, if I remember correctly with the set up above the d300 is now your weak link and it takes a bit to get them beefed up. It's doable but, I don't think they are all that strong out if the box. (again no personal experience just what I've been told/read)

I read that the rear output shaft is the weakest part of the dana 300, but I think it's a pretty cheap upgrade. The only thing I don't love about the idea is using any jeep parts on my truck

 

[crushers]

i have been running the R151 behind a turbo'd intercooled PZ engine for a few years with no issues. i am not gentle on my wheeling / DD rigs either.
but
i will agree the H55 is a better tranny.

i would find a PZ that has been rolled and install the complete drivetrain .. but that is just me.

 

[longbow]

If you can beef up the output shaft, that sounds like a great option. If I had it to do over, I would go with the NV4500 instead of the H55. I could really use the higher overdrive on the highway. Right now I am turning 2150-2200 at 70mph and the NV4500 would bring it down to about 2000. That doesn't sound like much, but it really is with mpg and noise with this engine.

Crushers,
I wish we could find rolled PZs down here that easy!

Don