Attn Aussi members:

I have not been on this board long, but what I have read about Man-it-Ain't Free has me :mad3: . So, here I am thinking and getting angry after this last post about them. What they need is some real competition, and I am going to give it to them. I need you're help, I need to find a reputible supplier of H55F 5-speeds, 2F rebuild and performance parts. Any help would be appreciated, I am a college student and getting married so I can't afford to start calling places half-way around the world.

P.S. For everyone, give me an idea of what else you would like to see out there on the cruiser market.

full float rear axles and long range tanks

any 4x4 wrecker has h555 speeds over here. That doesnt mean that they are cheap, probably cheaper than in the US though.

I will ring around for some prices if I get a chance tomorrow for ya.

thanks, I would appreciate that. Could you check out the rebuild shops also. Thanks

4 speed H41's too :D

Not trying to damper any spirits, but to do this right you're going to have to have a reputable associate in Australia. Too many people in the US have been burned by Australian junkyards (i.e. dismantlers) who send junked, exchanged-as-core H55F's to unsuspecting buyers, knowing full well that the vast distances and shipping expenses protect them.

Besides, used H55F's in Australia are not cheap and you run the risk of getting one out of a junked 60 series that died on it's 100th crossing of the Simpson desert instead of the one out of the low-mileage 60 series that an elderly widow drove to church on Sundays as promised. By the time you throw in the cost of the rebuild kit, any other hard parts (synchros or even possibly gears), and shipping, you might get pretty close to the $1,700 that a BRAND NEW one from Toyota costs. If the transmission is in really good shape and all it needs is refreshing, and you can get it for cheap, then it's a good business venture, but that's why you need someone you can trust in Australia making sure you're getting good used parts, and more importantly, a *regular supply of them*. If you're going to do this as a business, you need a steady supply of them!
Remember the Eric Blase fiasco?

The same applies to most used parts (full floaters, H41's, etc). A buddy of mine bought a 60 series FF rear axle that he was promised was in excellent condition. When it got here, after a hefty shipping fee, the housing was pretty rough and the inside of the hubs, where the bearings sit, was worn out. Brakes were shot (non-US part) and the axle shafts had obviously sat outside and were slightly pitted. Basically, a junk axle that he paid really good money for.

I agree that MAF needs competition and that both MAF and SOR probably make excellent profits on their used parts out of OZ, I'm just playing devil's advocate, making sure you know what you're getting into. You're not the first person to consider this as a business, and there are some logistics to consider before embarking on this venture.

Another thing you need to consider is the cost of a shipping container. In order to make this venture profitable, you need to be able to fill up a container with parts, so it's not a bad idea to consider RHINO's suggestion and bring in some desirable aftermarket parts too. IMHO, Longranger fuel tanks would sell pretty well if the profit margin wasn't as steep as Specter's, you might want to partner up with a smaller 4x4 shop in Australia that's hungry for US dollars and willing to work with you.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

well, if you find a relaible supplier, or even a not dso relaible one, i could check all the parts before they head off to the US, i live in brisbane on the east coast, it sounds like its very complicated logistically which is why they charge so much $$ cause its a fawk load of work

the H55s go for $1500 Oz, in GC from a rolled or otherwise wrecked truck (with split case)
H41s go for anywhere up to $600 with early or late transfer
full float rears (4 bolt go for up to $600) (late 40s and 60 diffs)
8 bolt go pretty cheap (older 40s and 55 series rear axles around $200)

private sale these can be had much cheaper with or without transfer cases but are not guaranteed!

these prices are in Oz dollars! so approximately multiply by .55 for you price ( i think we are at $1 will buy 55 of your cents)
maybe its 60cents so .6

it would be a cool idea, but organising it would become quite a mission!!

BJ on Roids:

You handle the buying of used and aftermarket parts and shipping. I'll handle the retail end over here. We'll split profits? Let me know if this is the type of venture you want to get into.

Thanks,
Jason

sorry dude, not really
if you need some one off stuff i can help you out, a gearbox/transfer, a full float rear and so forth

id be keen to help out, i just dont want to get into sihpping heaps of stuff, sounds like a lot of work and im far too lazy, irresponsible and unreliable for anything constant, although i would be reliable for a few one off things as itd be new and interesting, once it became routine id be :rasta:

realistically if you dont have money to make some overseas phone calls you dont have the money to start importing parts.

The prices I got were about the same as BJ.

The best way to do it , i think, would be to come over and buy up all the parts you want put them in a container and ship them back. That way you know what you are getting and may be able to make some connections that you can trust and do it without coming over here.

Hi i'm new to the forum, but i import parts from Japan to OZ. Just a few things you have to consider:

as coiledbj42 said you need a contact u can trust.
work out shipping fee's
customs fee/taxs
Quarintine
loading & unloading of container
who will do the paper work at what cost (invoice, bill of loading)

If u r interested to make further enquires email me, i'll be happy to help. :smokin: