Transmission swap

[Timmytorq]

Is it possible to straight up swap a four-speed transmission and transfer case from a 1976 FJ40 into a 1967 FJ40 with a three speed and vacuum controlled transfer case? if it is possible, what are some potential pit balls and issues that may surface?

 

[Living in the Past]

Did this 30 years ago in Phoenix to a 68. 9/67 so it shared the flange patterns as the 67. Probably not one of the hardest conversions. I used a later transmission cover for the correct shifter opening. I did not have to cut the torque tube behind the transfer case or cut the tub in anyway.

 

[scratchhax]

The transmission bolt pattern will mate up, you won't need an adapter, Edit, check out the post below re: bell housing. but you WILL need a new input gear and bearing. I got mine from JTOutfitters 4 spd transmission to 3 spd Transfer Case Gear Adapter Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 – JT Outfitters - https://www.jtoutfitters.com/product/4-spd-transmission-to-3-spd-transfer-case-gear-adapter-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40/ You'll also need to either buy new driveshafts or have your rear one cut and your front one extended. My 4 speed was I want to say 5 inches longer than the 3 speed. The vac control will still work the same and won't require any changes but you might need to adapt the hi/low linkage if you have that. Mine didn't have the linkage so I'm cobbling together one from parts I got from Mark and homedepot.

 

[Living in the Past]

The transmission bolt pattern will mate up, you won't need an adapter, but you WILL need a new input gear and bearing. I got mine from JTOutfitters 4 spd transmission to 3 spd Transfer Case Gear Adapter Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 – JT Outfitters - https://www.jtoutfitters.com/product/4-spd-transmission-to-3-spd-transfer-case-gear-adapter-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40/ You'll also need to either buy new driveshafts or have your rear one cut and your front one extended. My 4 speed was I want to say 5 inches longer than the 3 speed. The vac control will still work the same and won't require any changes but you might need to adapt the hi/low linkage if you have that. Mine didn't have the linkage so I'm cobbling together one from parts I got from Mark and homedepot.

OP said a 76 transmission and transfer case. For that it's the wrong length driveshafts for a four speed. Also need the four speed bell housing from a pre 8/80 that still used motor mounts on the bellhousing.

 

[scratchhax]

OP said a 76 transmission and transfer case. For that it's the wrong length driveshafts for a four speed. Also need the four speed bell housing from a pre 8/80 that still used motor mounts on the bellhousing.

doh you are totally right, I forgot that the transmission I got a hold of came with a bell housing. Good call out!

 

[Green Bean]

In addition, you may also want to read up on: 1) removing the rear motor mounts during the installation to help with the parking brake clearing the dreaded torque tube (it is a tight fit); and 2) permanently raising/shimming the front motor mounts and fan shroud to allow the 4WD vacuum actuator to clear the floor pan and access to the hi/lo linkage. @red66toy has an excellent writeup which I would commend to your reading/investigation, although he is going with 4 on the column.