tranny tech 403-thats 4 on the tree!

[EWheeler]

I started this project a couple of years ago. Some called it the ultimate in turd polishing. Get the comfort and road manners of the 4 speed trans with the retro cool factor of the three on the tree shifter.

Took some measurements. Started cutting blocks of wood. Took some more measurements. Made some more cuts. Third round of measurements and I was ready for an aluminum block to cut. Machined all the rough cuts and then put it on the shelf for the next two years!

Well I finally pulled it back off the shelf a couple of weeks ago and finished it up in anticipation of installing my 4 speed into my 45. Already acquired an unobtanium fj45 tranny hump that wasn't as pristine as mine in case the shifter didn't work out.

Bolted the adapter on and it worked flawlessly! Full range of motion, side to side and for and aft. JACKPOT!

Measured the final assembly for height and figured that it wouldn't clear the trans tunnel in stock configuration. The added girth of the 4 speed trans, coupled with the adapter plate, require 2 inches more than the trans tunnel has.

Therefore, the two choices [if you want to run one of these] would be to cut and raise the forward section of the trans tunnel to create the necessary clearance or...... install a 2 inch body lift!

All in all, it was an interesting engineering challenge, regardless.

Maybe I'll send the prototype to Di-Pro to get a quote on mass production [couldn't resist that one];p
View attachment 117855

@65swb45 - Mark, does one just install the adapter plate and 3 speed top plate on a 4 speed tranny and away you go, or are there other mods to the 3 speed top plate to make this work? Just trying to get a high level understanding of what is needed with this swap.

 

[red66toy]

Hey all, just to update this thread, I did purchase this adapter a few months ago from @ClemsonCruiser . It's something I was SUPER excited to see Mark develop and I am happy to contribute something now to it. I am working to make a few production pieces and I will update the thread accordingly. Thanks all! Thanks @EWheeler for bumping it

 

[red66toy]

This project is very much alive and well! I needed help in actually getting this from prototype phase to a workable file I can present to a manufacturer. Thankfully @Bullzi agreed to take a walk on the wild side with me with this project and is spearheading the digitizing and refining of the adapter. We are getting close to 3D printing a test adapter before I send it off to get 2.0 made out of aluminum. Things are looking good.

 

[bikersmurf]

This project is very much alive and well! I needed help in actually getting this from prototype phase to a workable file I can present to a manufacturer. Thankfully @Bullzi agreed to take a walk on the wild side with me with this project and is spearheading the digitizing and refining of the adapter. We are getting close to 3D printing a test adapter before I send it off to get 2.0 made out of aluminum. Things are looking good.
View attachment 2883771

Keep up the great work. I’ve been watching this coming along since Mark first wrote about it in the 2010.

 

[red66toy]

Keep up the great work. I’ve been watching this coming along since Mark first wrote about it in the 2010.

2022 is the year for this project to hit the road!

 

[Rzeppa]

Any 3D printing needs I can help with lemme know. I own and operate a 3D printing shop in Evergreen Colorado (see sig line). When Mark stayed with me a while ago he and I talked about 3 on the tree versus 4 on the floor. I did the latter on my '71 but miss having that space on the floor so the middle passenger doesn't hit their knees. I left my x-fer case control under the dash and kept the vacuum front drive shifter for one less lever on the floor.

 

[DangerNoodle]

This project is very much alive and well! I needed help in actually getting this from prototype phase to a workable file I can present to a manufacturer. Thankfully @Bullzi agreed to take a walk on the wild side with me with this project and is spearheading the digitizing and refining of the adapter. We are getting close to 3D printing a test adapter before I send it off to get 2.0 made out of aluminum. Things are looking good.
View attachment 2883771

Depending on size, I can spin something out on the CNCs at school if you want. Same with any 3D prints you need.

 

[red66toy]

Depending on size, I can spin something out on the CNCs at school if you want. Same with any 3D prints you need.

Thanks all for the offers! I truly appreciate it. Fun to see the community come together on a wild project. There is a local cruiserhead that is going to 3d print the one-off test adapter. Once that checks out we will go from there and make a aluminum prototype 2.0.

In addition to the adapter, the other thing we need to figure out is exactly what the interference is going to be at the transmission hump. Hopefully there is a nice clean solution to that as well.

 

[Downey]

I believe where this thread left off in 2010 there was discussion about using a 2" body lift kit. One problem with that (beside higher center of gravity) is that FJ40's have a hot riveted frame, which means they flex like wet spaghetti. The longer body lift kit mounting bolts become a "moment arm" that magnifies frame movement as it extends upward to the body, and this then starts cracking the body sheet metal at each mounting bolt hole. This is probably not a problem for the daily street driven vehicle, but for the rigs used quite a bit off road (flexing) this would become a problem in time- - -just saying.

 

[EWheeler]

@red66toy Calling dibbs on 1st production unit!

I believe where this thread left off in 2010 there was discussion about using a 2" body lift kit. One problem with that (beside higher center of gravity) is that FJ40's have a hot riveted frame, which means they flex like wet spaghetti. The longer body lift kit mounting bolts become a "moment arm" that magnifies frame movement as it extends upward to the body, and this then starts cracking the body sheet metal at each mounting bolt hole. This is probably not a problem for the daily street driven vehicle, but for the rigs used quite a bit off road (flexing) this would become a problem in time- - -just saying.

I've purchased two trans tunnel covers in anticipation of this product coming to market. A mid 70's hump that has been trimmed at the back to fit into a '71, and a '70/71 hump that has been cut for a floor shifter for both trans and t-case(that big hole will need to be patched as the a main goal of this swap along with driveability increase is to maintain no holes in trans tunnel). Will play with both to see what works best and share my feedback here on mud for others. The mid 70's hump is taller, but as stated, the rear has to be trimmed to fit the earlier tub, and also the floor flange isnt EXCATCLY the same between the early 70's and mid 70's trans tunnels. Cleanest will probably be to modify the factory '71 hump to accommodate the taller trans/shifter shifter assembly installed, but may not be in the wheelhouse of some members.

A body lift will not be used here.

 

[DomSmith]

I’m with E, my plan will be to modify a trans tunnel. Hopefully it’s reasonable to do. I already had to get a mid year trans cover for the 4 speed conversion that needs lots of massaging for the SWB. I am hoping to get my hands on one of these for future use.

The 3FE plenum will be the biggest challenge for me as it interferes with all the linkage.

 

[65swb45]

I had a customer once that had a tall trans in his 40. The PO grafted something that looked like part of an ammo can to the hump. I might have snapped a pic of it. If so, it would be in a thread with the word hookah!

 

[red66toy]

I have an idea for a clean simple solution, have some feelers out. I’ll report back if it’s a possibility. I want to keep stock appearances as much as possible. Working in the confines of the original system is a challenge but I think doable! I agree @Downey it would be highly preferable to avoid a body lift.

 

[gutman]

Watching this with some interest. I have a 66 40 with 3 on the tree. On the fence on going to a four speed or staying with the 3 on the tree. Interesting to see the four on the tree. One of my biggest issues is parts for the three on the tree. I have tried most all of the regulars shops and sites and have had no luck. Does anyone have a recommendation on who may have some parts for this? Specifically looking for the bushings for the shifter where it runs along steering column.

 

[bikersmurf]

Watching this with some interest. I have a 66 40 with 3 on the tree. On the fence on going to a four speed or staying with the 3 on the tree. Interesting to see the four on the tree. One of my biggest issues is parts for the three on the tree. I have tried most all of the regulars shops and sites and have had no luck. Does anyone have a recommendation on who may have some parts for this? Specifically looking for the bushings for the shifter where it runs along steering column.

I’ve never seen 3 on the tree in person so I’m shooting from the hip.

1) ‘Oilite’ bushings, bar stock, etc is easily modified and lasts exceptionally well for bushings.

2) Delrin plastic can be machined like metal and is very strong.

Could you make the bushings you need?

 

[red66toy]

Watching this with some interest. I have a 66 40 with 3 on the tree. On the fence on going to a four speed or staying with the 3 on the tree. Interesting to see the four on the tree. One of my biggest issues is parts for the three on the tree. I have tried most all of the regulars shops and sites and have had no luck. Does anyone have a recommendation on who may have some parts for this? Specifically looking for the bushings for the shifter where it runs along steering column.

What bushing? The shift rod is captive on the ends only. There is no supportive bushing along the length of the steering shaft:
Edit: part number for the end bushing is 33572-36010 . Still available from Toyota!

 

[DomSmith]

I think 33522 “seat” is long gone. It’s rubber if I remember correctly.

 

[65swb45]

What bushing? The shift rod is captive on the ends only. There is no supportive bushing along the length of the steering shaft:
View attachment 2894916

See 33572. I have a large box of 33571 clamps with good bushings in them, most with 33573 boots intact. All available for purchase.

 

[DomSmith]

People have thrown all these parts in the trash by the hundreds over the last 40 years. Most people were happy to convert to floor shift back in the day.

 

[red66toy]

See 33572. I have a large box of 33571 clamps with good bushings in them, most with 33573 boots intact. All available for purchase.

I need to give you a call ….. and figure out how to mail the awkward early steering box to you.