FJ40 gearbox and re-power

[sertorius]

I have a 1974 FJ40 with 2f and orig gearbox. The motor runs well- however I would like to replace the gear box with a 5 speed- I am relatively new to FJ40s so know ver little... any advice would be cool. I had read somewhere that Celcia and Surf gear boxes have been used in FJ40s- but would like to hear from someone who has experience in this area. Also- long term i would like to either repower or rebuild the 2f- not sure yet...

[Fakey]

You need the h55f 5 speed out of a early petrol 60 series.
Thatll be the easiest swap as it has the mechanical linkages for 4x4 hi an low where as the later 60 an 70 series 5 speeds have a vacuum operated 4x4 engagement, (not impossible to hook up but easier not to have to)
Itll bolt up to your bellhousing an fit into the clutch (diesel ones wont as they have a fine spline input shaft)
Then you will have to mod your driveshaft lengths to suit
Dont wast your time with hilux boxes
Best repower if the 350 chev, wouldnt bother touching the 2f boat anchor
If you do end up repowering it, knowing what I know now Id have gone for a (an still might) th400 auto behind the chev as theyre a lot easier to find than the 5 speed cruiser boxes an you dont have a clutch to fill with mud

[ClassicCruiserSpares]

As Fakey said H55F is the way to go, there not that hard to find you just have to ask the right people but they are getting expensive now though.
350 is a good option but will cost more than giving your 2f a freshen up but if you have the coin to spend the gains from a 350 is far better than the 2f.

[KROOZA]

Out of interest, roughly how much longer is the H55 box than the 4 speeder?

[Sadam_Husain]

Out of interest, roughly how much longer is the H55 box than the 4 speeder?

I think its about 80mm or something like that, 5th gear is in a seperate houseing between the bearbox and transfercase

[KROOZA]

Ok, so the H55 isnt any stronger, just got another cog stuck in it?

[Kampfer]

Nothing wrong with a 2f if you get them running right. The only problem I have with mine is the carb. I'll be sticking one of these on it at some stage and I'll be happy with it. mostlyhttp://www.affordable-fuel-injection.com/ixxocart/catalog/Toyota-34-1.html

[Sadam_Husain]

Ok, so the H55 isnt any stronger, just got another cog stuck in it?

yep pretty much but cruiser gearboxes are strong enough anyway and take re-powers ok, its the early pre 1980 transfer cases that wernt very strong , the post 1980 split transfer cases are ok, all H55Fs are split transfer cases

[skid]

can I ask why you feel the need to change the gearbox

always found 4 speed FJ40 boxes to be good

sounds like too much hard work for bugger all gain

[sertorius]

Cheers for the advice- been very informative so far- as for the gear box i do a bit of driving around town and on the open road and the gear box is crying out for a fifth gear. (Though I guess I can live with it- we drove from Tauranga to Ohiwa and back recently and the old girl didnt miss a beat) Would love to up grade to a 350 chev eventually- when i have the coin.

Bloody great vehicle and am looking forward to sprucing her up. We are lucky as she has f all rust and plenty of attitude

[sertorius]

If I am to persist with the 2f for the medium term what can I do to prolong life and performance? To date the carb has had a clean out, it has new exhaust. Drops a little oil- I think it is the rear main seal- it is not much of an issue.

[Fakey]

Drive it like you hate it.. Other than that change the oil air an fuel filters regularly an new plugs leads dizzy cap etc

[sertorius]

Cheers Fakey- Longterm the repower to 350 (with 400 trans?) is what I will do. Never done it though - will need to sus out that project soon. Do I locate a crated engine off shore myself and import (There are some deals on eBay) or go through a NZ outfit... hopefully there are some 'kits' or something perhapes?

[mudlva]

i found that a god set of headers will give about %10 increase in horses and a bit more if you get the carb retuned to suit the new flow otherwise fuel injection from a 3fe will do wonders as well

it will still be hungry on gas just the way it will be at a guess

[sertorius]

Cheers mate- are headers expensive?

[wopass]

Cheers Fakey- Longterm the repower to 350 (with 400 trans?) is what I will do. Never done it though - will need to sus out that project soon. Do I locate a crated engine off shore myself and import (There are some deals on eBay) or go through a NZ outfit... hopefully there are some 'kits' or something perhapes?

build your own motor mate,get all good named brands parts including block, prices for stuff is pretty good. then you know what your getting. a lot of the crate motors are mexican knock off shitters... found that out the hard way. built my own motor and now im happy...reeaally happy