Should I rebuild 3 speed transmission and transfer case?

[mrtodds77]

I blew my old 1F engine and got a 2F and now I am looking at the 3 speed Transmission and Transfer case and wondering if I need to rebuild them. I was getting a really bad whine over 40 MPH, but only on acceleration. I saw one link in IH8MUD where the guy replaced his main shaft and it got rid of the whine, and I saw another link on the FAQ where they said once you have the whine you can't get rid of it. So I am not sure which is correct?

The transmission appears tight with only a few teeth nicked and the transfer case gears look good as well. The input shaft does not wiggle very much and feel pretty tight.

I have the vacuum shift transfer case but I could not get it to operate 4WD on the front shaft. Maybe there is a trick to it? I don't get a lot of oil leaking from these so the whine is the real issue.

I will post some video's so I can get your input. Should I rebuild them or replace them? Do I need to rebuild them both or just the Transfer case?

1969 3 SPEED XFER CASE MOV

• mrtodds77
• Feb 6, 2017

1969 3 SPEED XFER CASE MOV

1969 FJ40 3 SPEED TRANSMISSION

• mrtodds77
• Feb 6, 2017

1969 FJ40 3 SPEED TRANSMISSION

3 SPEED TRANSMISSION

• mrtodds77
• Feb 6, 2017

3 SPEED TRANSMISSION

3 SPEED TRANSFER CASE

• mrtodds77
• Feb 6, 2017

3 SPEED TRANSFER CASE

 

[70fj40]

I might opt for a 4 speed now that you have changed the engine. Keeping it original makes it worth rebuilding but you are past that now.

 

[Pin_Head]

It is hard to tell what it needs without tearing it down and checking stuff, but the weak link on these is the transfer idler gear shaft and its bearings. In my experience it is a major contributor to whine that changes in pitch when you go from accelerate to coast and visa versa.

 

[bugsnbikes]

Rebuilding a 3 speed is like getting a boob job for your neighbors mother-in-law......you may feel good knowing its done......but you still dont have fun riding it.

 

[kevos37]

Rebuilding a 3 speed is like getting a boob job for your neighbors mother-in-law......you may feel good knowing its done......but you still dont have fun riding it.

WOW

 

[65swb45]

subscribed.

 

[Captn Conch]

Now's the time to either go with the later model LC 4 speed mated to the rebuilt 3 speed xfer or go with the gm SM465 ultra low granny 1st gear with 3 street gears. the Toy shifts smoother but the 465 is tougher with the uber low granny. Try to troubleshoot your vacuum 4wd. It may be the diaphragm... who needs an extra stick hole and shaft in the hump. They actually work great but you may have vac leak. Check hoses and connection. My next project is the SM465 mated to my 3 speed xfer.

 

[bugsnbikes]

next stop would be what i call the " h55f-plus" mod:

 

[Cleg]

I expect it may be less expensive to buy a good used 3 speed transmission than to rebuild.

Cruiserparts.net has them for $350 including shipping so that is the MOST you should have to pay for one.

 

[White Stripe]

If u have them both out I would rebuild them. Yes u can buy used but then who know what kinda shape the used stuff is in. Hopefully all you'll need is bearings, seals, and synchros. If you want to upgrade then I would run a sm465 with the classic cruisers tcase adapter.

 

[mrtodds77]

Yes, these used parts are a good deal. The shipping is free to you but you have to ship the core back yourself. I think my transmission is ok. I can get the transfer case rebuild kit from AA for about 150. I got the Toyota repair manual but there seem to be a lot of special tools required and I need a lot more pictures. Is there a step by step Utube that can help?

 

[thebigredrocker]

TractorDoc posted some good details of his recent TCase & Tmission rebuilds. I'm sure if you have questions he'd have answer's.

 

[73FJ40]

Coolerman has a great blow-by-blow with pictures on his website link in his signature line. I feel like I owe him a case of beer!

 

[Yamabalu]

next stop would be what i call the " h55f-plus" mod:

View attachment 1397386

just what i need.

 

[69LC]

My son has a 3 speed tranny/tcase combo I'm sure he would sell for much less and can be shipped from my work.

 

[mrtodds77]

Is there a way to private message me on ih8mud? What would he let them go for? How can I be sure they are in a better condition than mine? Are they the suction type or manual 4wd shifter?

 

[Yamabalu]

Is there a way to private message me on ih8mud?

Yes, click on profile, then "Start a conversation"

 

[69LC]

They're from a '69, so vacuum shift and column shift. However, the tranny top plate and tcase front output shift housings are easily swapped to floor shift and mechanical shift from later 40s. I'm sure others can chime in on which years had each type of shifter. I know it had oil in it because it's still leaking.

 

[72KansasFJ40]

I blew my old 1F engine and got a 2F and now I am looking at the 3 speed Transmission and Transfer case and wondering if I need to rebuild them. I was getting a really bad whine over 40 MPH, but only on acceleration. I saw one link in IH8MUD where the guy replaced his main shaft and it got rid of the whine, and I saw another link on the FAQ where they said once you have the whine you can't get rid of it. So I am not sure which is correct?

The transmission appears tight with only a few teeth nicked and the transfer case gears look good as well. The input shaft does not wiggle very much and feel pretty tight.

I have the vacuum shift transfer case but I could not get it to operate 4WD on the front shaft. Maybe there is a trick to it? I don't get a lot of oil leaking from these so the whine is the real issue.

I will post some video's so I can get your input. Should I rebuild them or replace them? Do I need to rebuild them both or just the Transfer case?

1969 3 SPEED XFER CASE MOV

• mrtodds77
• Feb 6, 2017

1969 3 SPEED XFER CASE MOV

1969 FJ40 3 SPEED TRANSMISSION

• mrtodds77
• Feb 6, 2017

1969 FJ40 3 SPEED TRANSMISSION

3 SPEED TRANSMISSION

• mrtodds77
• Feb 6, 2017

3 SPEED TRANSMISSION

3 SPEED TRANSFER CASE

• mrtodds77
• Feb 6, 2017

3 SPEED TRANSFER CASE

What gear is the transmission in - Picture titled "FJ40_3SPD_Transmission.jpg". Is this neutral?

 

[mrtodds77]

Not sure. I think so. This is an old thread. I updated my 3 speed to an H41 4 speed and rebuilt the transfer case and the transmission. Still have a slight whine at higher speeds. I need to look into some sound deadening materials I think.