Tranny swap 81 TREKKER

[garlicgabe]

NEWBIE question. How do I identify a transmission? I have a 5 speed in my 81 TREKKER? I have another trans from a 84? hilux. It also is a 5 speed, I'm wanting to change out the old tranny because of leaks. The new tranny is about 6in longer, this also would help with my front driveline angle. I belive that the newer tranny is a top shift and the older one is foward shift. Will this work, what do I need to make it work? Changing out the leaky rear main seal and adding a new clutch.

Thanks for all the help

 

[Combat Chuck]

81 would likely be the L50.
I have never done an L50 to L52 side-by-side comparison, but I believe the L52 is within the same size parameters.

The L series trannies are cast-iron with an integrated bellhousing, aluminum adapter, and aluminum top cover. L50 has smaller input bearings than the L52, and the later L52 has even larger bearings, closer in size to the early G52's bearings.

You may have a W56 or G52.
Post up some pics so we can help!

 

[KLF]

Marlin will tell you:

Rebuilt Manual Transmission | Marlin Crawler, Inc.

 

[freds40]

Your Trekker should have an L50. The '84 trans should be a G52. The L50 will have a top shift t-case on it and a G52 will have a forward shift t-case. Because of the length difference on the transmissions, the 2 shift handles actually will come up in the same holes in the floor.
The Bellhousing bolts are different between the 2 and the '81 crossmember can be re-used by spinning it 180 degrees. The now front holes on the crossmember "should" pick up the rear holes on the frame just needing you to pick up the rear holes on the crossmember.

 

[garlicgabe]

Thanks for all the help. I'm working on a few pictures for you guys to check out. Is there a more stout tranny of the two? looks like the the older tranny might have been opened up before. There is a red gasket material sticking out between the trans and tranny. I'm going to clean up the old one and see if there is any visible leaking spots, the gear shift boot is gone would this cause alot of fluid to splash out the top? Does anyone make a crossmember that fits the new trans and old bolt holes on the frame?

Thanks again for the help.

 

[freds40]

Th boot could allow oil out of the trans but that will normally be if it is overfilled. As far as a stronger trans, they are really right about equal. If you had a G54 then I would say it was the stronger trans (not by much but stronger nonetheless) but there isn't any real strength gains between the 2.
You might check with Bud at BudBilt and see if he has a crossmember for that. I know at one time he offered a universal kit but not sure about a retro kit for your truck.

 

[Combat Chuck]

a well-built L52 with fresh bearings will last a lifetime.
My only complaint is how much noise they produce, but I'm willing to live with it.

 

[NorCalBorn]

Your Trekker should have an L50. The '84 trans should be a G52...

Brendan, I ever tell you that you rock? maybe I should bother to actually tell it to Mike also? Thanks for the chime-in man!

Shane

~Anyone who doesn't know it yet, Brendan's been there (Marlin Crawler) for a bit and most times if you call with a sales question, it's him fielding it.

Now as far as the flipping the crossover idea, you can also try some other models to see what will fit. For example, we used Brendan's 180 degree trick when swapping my 2wd Auto to 4wd 5-speed and all 4 bolts lined up perfectly. Head on over to ToyConnection in Santa Clara/San Jose and see what Jeff has around that might work.

 

[Combat Chuck]

Brendan, I ever tell you that you rock? maybe I should bother to actually tell it to Mike also? Thanks for the chime-in man!

Shane

~Anyone who doesn't know it yet, Brendan's been there (Marlin Crawler) for a bit and most times if you call with a sales question, it's him fielding it.

Now as far as the flipping the crossover idea, you can also try some other models to see what will fit. For example, we used Brendan's 180 degree trick when swapping my 2wd Auto to 4wd 5-speed and all 4 bolts lined up perfectly. Head on over to ToyConnection in Santa Clara/San Jose and see what Jeff has around that might work.

Agreed.
Both on the comments of Marlin's staff, and that Jeff at TC would be an awesome hookup, especially on something as killer as a Trekker!

 

[garlicgabe]

Thanks all. I believe that I've spoken to Brendan on the phone before, great help. I have a quick trip to Seattle this weekend, but plan to cruise by TC when I get back. I would also like to double it up in the near future, so I'm thinking of sticking with a L52. I have to hold off on this project for a week, so I can fix the pesky exhaust leak in my 60 before SNT. I will post up some pictures of my rig hopefully tomorrow.

Thanks again everyone

 

[Combat Chuck]

Thanks all. I believe that I've spoken to Brendan on the phone before, great help. I have a quick trip to Seattle this weekend, but plan to cruise by TC when I get back. I would also like to double it up in the near future, so I'm thinking of sticking with a L52. I have to hold off on this project for a week, so I can fix the pesky exhaust leak in my 60 before SNT. I will post up some pictures of my rig hopefully tomorrow.

Thanks again everyone

The L52 is a noisy transmission, and, in stock form, the bearings are weak.
BUT
If you have a shop go through yours, and clearance the housing for the later (larger) bearings, and just make sure it's all good, it'll be a damn tough piece of machinery, and very compact.

My input bearing blew up on my original L52 (after 28 years and four owners, I think that's forgivable) and the emergency rebuild wasn't cheap, but the end result was worth it, because it was made out of great-conditioned used gears (my preference. The heat and oil will lightly case harden them with time) new syncros, and G52 bearings, and it's a blast to drive now.

You will be hard-pressed to find a transmission that fits as snugly underneath a first-gen as the L52.