Alright guys, I've used the search function and found some threads. I've used the Google, found some stuff at other forums and at Marlin Crawlers. Problem is, the more I read, the more confused I get. LOL, maybe it's just too early and my brain hasn't turned on yet, but I feel like I've got information overload this morning.

I've got a 1990 2wd standard cab with a 4 speed. How do I identify which 4 speed I have? I've used online VIN decoders, but they only tell me that it's a 4 speed and not which model. Marlin Crawlers site said W56-C is an 89-91 manual, but how do I tell for sure if that's the one I have or is that only the 5 speed for those years?

When swapping to a 5 speed, I will probably pull something from the scrap yard. I'm running a bone stock 22R with 213,000 miles, so there won't be any need to throw a 800hp capable trans behind it, I just want a lower final gear for interstate travel.

What donor cars and transmissions would you guys recommend? I don't mind if I have to cut the floor pan a little for the shifter. Any other tips or suggestions would all be greatly appreciated.

 

Forgot to throw my VIN in there. If anyone else knows how to decode this thing and tell, let me know.

JT4RN81RXL5075655

 

Just found this thing on the net somewhere.



So if I'm reading this right, I have a G40 trans?

 

G40 or w45 something to that effect anyway it doesn't make a link of difference. I don't believe you'll have to cut the floor for the w55 swap which is typically in that truck in that generation and the trans mount should work out too.


On my 83 w58 swap I had to notch the shifter hole back about an inch and modify the trans mount on the frame side. Not majorly modified and so worth it.


If you have a 4 speed you should also have 3.07's in an 8" diff.

 

Did you or anyone else do a write up on these swaps anywhere? There doesn't seem to be any in depth how to write ups on a 4 to 5 swap anywhere.

 

Read this. This is how I found out what my truck has for trans a gearing. Now I run a w58 and getting ready to put in an 8" rear.
LC ENGINEERING Differential Tech

 

It's not hard at all to swap transmissions. As far as gearing goes, the w58 out of a celica supra, celica, is300, Cressida, or later supra will have the tallest 5th gear.

Pretty much every one I've seen has a different shifter back-set. I think the old celica is closest to stock, and the celica supra is approx 2 inches rearward. The later supra and is300 gets 4-5 inches.

A regular truck 5 speed will bolt in as long as it has the 22r/e bell housing pattern. If you have a 6 cyl trans (5m or 7m engine) the w58 will need a w50-55 4cyl bell housing. It just bolts on. Besides that, pretty much every driveshaft should work. And yours being later I'm not sure about which speedo drive you have.

Anyway, my 82 had a 4 speed and I swapped to a w58. I think I'm on my 3rd one. Not as tough as people say they are, but cruising Rpm's is great. And I don't run out of gear going really fast.

For the longest time I thought my truck was "revving out" at freeway speeds w the stock 4 speed. I put a tach on it and it wasn't bad at all. Does yours have one?

 

Thabks, some interesting info on diff there that I had not come across before. So mine is an 8" 3.07 2 pinion non-LSD.

 

I have a mechanical speedo and no tach. I haven't driven mine on interstate yet, just getting the tags later today. The friend I bought it from said it winds out a bit high on interstate though. We typically have 70mph speed limit here in VA on I-81 which I travel daily.

 

My RPM's are about 1800 - 2000 at 70 mph with the 3.07 gear. Also, I have 17 in. rims, I can't remember the exact tire size I have, but the overall circumference of the tire from factory tire is about 1 1/2 in. taller.

 

You running a 4 or 5 speed?

 

I had the G40 4 speed. I swapped in a W58 from a Celica/Supra. The RPM range I mentioned was with the W58. It's not bad at all cruising, but it's not really good for any quick launch

 

I hate my 4 speed. Every time i shift i feel like I skipped a gear.

 

Cool, thanks for the info. I'm not looking to launch hard, just want that better cruise gear.

 

Yeah man ! That cruise gear is great on the road. Good luck !

WeGetOurs, I couldn't agree with you more. My 4 speed really sucked. I'm glad it's gone

 

Found a W55 trans, clutch, flywheel, and driveshaft from a 94 2wd standard cab (mine is a 90 2wd standard cab) for $100 today. Hopefully picking it up in a couple weeks.

 

Super easy swap. I have a 1989 2WD that I put a 5 speed in that was from an 87 I used to have. The only parts you must change are the transmission mount and driveshaft. Notch out the floor just a little. Well worth it.

 

I didn't measure, but the shifter location looks the same as mine. No biggie if I do have to notch it though. I'll do a how to tech thread on it when we do the swap.

 

hello can someone answer my question. just in plain simple words. i have a 82 toyota pickup 5 speed 2wd. i need a new transmission. i found a 5 speed 2wd transmission off of a 84 toyo pickup 2wd 5 speed. would it fit my 82 toyo.

 

The '82 pickup you have may have the older style w50 5-speed tranny, which uses a shorter bell housing. Make sure you get the bell housing from the '84. You might want the transmission mount if you can get it.

You may have to adjust driveshaft length. Not sure.