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81 transmission swap questions

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Old 10-06-2016, 05:19 PM
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81 transmission swap questions

I have a 81 pickup that had a shelled out 4 speed tranny so bought a used W56 tranny from a newer 4 runner. It bolted up to the 22R fine and the existing transfer case bolts up fine. I will have to modify where the shifters come through the floor boards.
How is the best way to handle the crossmember and the additional 5 inches added and lost on the drive shafts. Can I leave the crossmember in the original position and make brackets to extend to the mounting holes on the tranny? Is there a better way to do this?
Is it possible to buy used drivelines from a pickup that used the w56 tranny stock and be able to use them instead of shortening and lengthening the ones I have now?
Thanks for the help.
Old 10-06-2016, 11:07 PM
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The only way to know about the drive shaft lengths is to get measurements of what lengths you need so someone or you can measure.

The cross member if you know what your doing something can be fabricated

I think the most simple would just to make a new attachment point where you need the crossmember this is something one needs to be up close and in person to figure out
Old 12-23-2016, 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by WellDog
Is it possible to buy used drivelines from a pickup that used the w56 tranny stock and be able to use them instead of shortening and lengthening the ones I have now?
Thanks for the help.
I've read her that the simplest thing is to use the drive shaft from a 5 sp, like the one you got the 5 sp from.
Old 12-24-2016, 06:38 AM
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Yeah there's a good chance the W56 driveshafts will work, but like they've mentioned you need to measure to be sure. Other people have cut and welded their driveshaft to the right size.

Budbuilt makes a crossmember for this exact purpose. You could google that and it might give you ideas. I think as long as it isn't unbalanced, you would probably be ok with keeping it in the same location on the frame. But I'm guessing Toyota put it under the transfer case because that's the right balance point. Might be easier to do what Budbuilt does and modify how/where it attaches to the frame, rather than how/where it attaches to the transmission.
Old 12-27-2016, 08:22 AM
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If I read correctly, you have an '81. If this is true the bolt pattern on your flanges will likely not match the newer drivelines.
From Marlin's site, description of their "triple drilled flanges".
Our Triple Drilled Differential Flanges feature only the most practical bolt patterns to preserve the strength of the flange.

We have designed the flange to fit only the most common differential bolt patterns:
  • 1963-8/69 FJ40, 1979-83 Hilux, 64 x 56 x 8mm
  • 1984+ Pickup, 60 x 60 x 10mm (non-CV)
  • 1986-87 Turbo, 1988+ V6, FJ60, 66 x 66 x 11mm

If you got the T-case with the W series trans you picked up I'd just get 2 of these and change out the flanges on your Diffs. If running your '81 T-case, measure and get your drivelines modded.
Good luck!
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