Worth going to a split case on a 1974?

[hobbes]

I'm considering an engine update on my 1974. I see a not so local add for a 1979 transmission/split case in the adds. I'm planning to go 5 speed if I do an engine swap (so I'm not interested in this transmission). As always, losing my current parking brake is somewhat a pain. Is it worth going to the 79 split case/parking brake combo? No idea if the guy will separate. $900 for the combo. I know the split cases are better than my case. I know the mid 80s cases are a bit better yet, but I lose the parking brake. Is ths split case/parking brake set up a bit rare?

Thanks, John

 

[bikersmurf]

Parking brakes on split cases are quite rare... can't say for sure that it'll fit with a 5 speed. If it would, you'd have a much sought after Parking brake and 5 speed combo.

 

[3_puppies]

stock 1979 would be 1 piece transfer, 1 piece transfer was used up to 8/1980 start of 81 model year. even if it was an early splitcase 81,82 maybe 83? I don't believe they had the 5th gear oiler provision. so using one of those would not be a good idea on an H55.
just looking for a later splitcase that would work with an H55 would be 1/2 that price.

 

[hobbes]

There is a 75% chance I'm going to wind up with a NV4500, so I'm not too worried about the oiler. Photo attached. I can get another angle if it helps.

Thanks for the help as always...

 

[Living in the Past]

stock 1979 would be 1 piece transfer, 1 piece transfer was used up to 8/1980 start of 81 model year. even if it was an early splitcase 81,82 maybe 83? I don't believe they had the 5th gear oiler provision. so using one of those would not be a good idea on an H55.
just looking for a later splitcase that would work with an H55 would be 1/2 that price.

Thought is was possible to do a mod to the early split cases? But pre 8/80 won't be a split case. If it was a later H42 and split case the owner may possibly have the matching rear axle with hand brake. While rare I think there are easier to find in the US then the hand back to fit the back of the transfer case..

FYI if you were to buy a split transfer case it will not work with the earlier transmission in a 74. SO would be buying it for if you get a five speed. Personally if you don't have a five speed and won't be able to use it until you I would make I got one the was setup up to lube the fifth gear.

 

[orangefj45]

I prefer the split case to the earlier case and we install them the vast majority if the time when performing a conversion. The ebrake obviously becomes an issue. The best way around that is to go to a late model FJ40/45 rear axle housing which utilizes the same brake setup as the 69-series cruisers. Best if both worlds; extremely reliable, self adjusting and the ebrake works great.

Georg @ Valley Hybrids

 

[jim land]

why not an orion and nv4500 combo

 

[orangefj45]

Judging from the avatar pic and sig line, he's got no need for an Orion or the gearing it offers. Plus the split cases are much quieter.

Georg @ Valley Hybrids

 

[Toyoland66]

There is a 75% chance I'm going to wind up with a NV4500, so I'm not too worried about the oiler. Photo attached. I can get another angle if it helps.

Thanks for the help as always...

That is not a split case

 

[hobbes]

Thanks for the replies. Sorry I wasn't back sooner, but I've been traveling all day. Georg is, per usual, correct. The Orion isn't for me, especially where I'm probably moving to. But I really do want the split case, especially after talking to Georg the other month. If I go NV4500, it is because it is in a friend's garage who might let it go to be at a price I just cannot pass up. Otherwise, I was thinking Toyota.

I was pretty sure that wasn't a split case, but just wanted to verify.

Not sure there are too many rear parking brake axles floating around any longer. I'm afraid to ask what they fetch now a days. I'm guessing cutting down a 60s axle is about as cheap now. Not that I have one of those either...

 

[orangefj45]

You're correct t about the late model rear axle.
But the good news is that myself and another board member are working on narrowing factory FJ60 rear axles which essentially turns them into late 40 rear axles.

Georg @ Valley Hybrids

 

[White Stripe]

Thanks for the replies. Sorry I wasn't back sooner, but I've been traveling all day. Georg is, per usual, correct. The Orion isn't for me, especially where I'm probably moving to. But I really do want the split case, especially after talking to Georg the other month. If I go NV4500, it is because it is in a friend's garage who might let it go to be at a price I just cannot pass up. Otherwise, I was thinking Toyota.

I was pretty sure that wasn't a split case, but just wanted to verify.

Not sure there are too many rear parking brake axles floating around any longer. I'm afraid to ask what they fetch now a days. I'm guessing cutting down a 60s axle is about as cheap now. Not that I have one of those either...

Have you thought about changing the 3rd members to 3.70s? That would be cheaper than doing a 5 speed and tcase swap. Then take the money you saved and fix other things that need fixed.