I've got a '73 FJ40 that I am thinking about converting to a 350 v8. I am trying to find a good conversion that isn't too costly and won't require a lot of mods. I see that the ranger torque splitter keeps one from having to get a bell-housing adapter and puts the engine in the right spot. So, I guess my questions are as follows.

1) Do I need anything other than motor mounts and the torque splitter to hook it up?
2) Does it use the stock clutch/bellhousing?
3) Is it a good piece of equipment or is it something that is going to fall apart if I take the rig off-roading a bunch?
4) If this isn't a good idea, what kind of kit gives you the best bang for your buck?

and lastly, anyone got any kit they want to sell?

If you're going to spend the money on an overdrive, I'd get a real five speed, whether it be a NV4500, or an H55F. The ranger is a loud bitch, and it does nothing for your crawl ratio. I like it because I can split gears behind my diesel, but the 350 doesn't need it. A new ranger is $1400, money well spent on an overdrive tranny with a lower first gear.

There's no need for bellhousing adapter on a V8 conversion into an older FJ. Put the drivetrain in the right place and you'll be MUCH happier.

There's no need for bellhousing adapter on a V8 conversion into an older FJ. Put the drivetrain in the right place and you'll be MUCH happier.


What do you mean by this? Is this if I get a 5 spd tranny? what if I hook up direct to the 3 spd on the floor that I have?

I mean there shouldn't be any reason to get one of the Mark's bellhousing spacers (which is what I assumed you were talking about in your first post.)

I don't understand why you'd want to retain the 3 speed transmission when doing the V8 swap? For a few more sheckles you could put a GM or Toyota tranny behind it, and a few more you can have a nicer driving 5 speed.

Driveshaft mods are not a big deal, so there's no sense in retaining the exact spot of where the transfercase sits.

H55F
what did this tranny come in...

I am in the middle of a 350 swap. and if you are concern about costs then stay with the current setup you have :D . The little things will add up fast.

About the tranny, I would definetly go with an nv4500 if you are going to spend $1,400. I'm assuming you are hoping to keep the 3 spd to save money. In this case, you will have to get an adapter (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

What I'm doing is use an sm420 (chevy tranny) behind the 350. this save me money on any adapters (other than $50 for the tranny -> t-case for a used one).

This conversions are time consuming and they cost money. I think a 350 is worth it becuase of how available and less expensive parts are for these engines compared to Toyota.

Good Luck.

- Rico.

H55 what did this tranny come in...

I believe they are only for Aussie Cruisers.

- Rico.

Based on this, Anyone have a 2f and 4 spd tranny that is in decent shape that you want to get rid of in the Atlanta area?

Maybe I'll just stick with my 1f and 3spd.

I used the Ranger to go between a 350 and my H42 4 speed and later my h55f 5 speed. I had the underdrive. I was not impressed with the quality of the unit. I had a bearing fail within the first year. You need to use the Chevy bellhousing, Chevy clutch, and Toyota slave cylinder with the special AA slave bracket which flexes too much in my opinion. Mine was built as an Underdrive. No complaints about noise on the highway because it wasn't noisy. Only when the Underdrive was engaged would you hear it. I think it is fairly expensive way to go as far as conversions. If I were to build a 60 again with a 350, I'd go 350 700r4 Toybox Split Case. The other peculiar thing about the Ranger is they only recommend that you use their special low profile Centerforce clutch. I had 3 of those fail within 18 months. I think they were all out of the same batch. The material wouldn't stay on the disc. Finally I went with a stock Chevy clutch made by Sachs. It worked well but didn't disengage as easy as the Centerforce.