The original old tired L52 trans in my pickup is getting long in the tooth. This summer I'm planning a motor swap to a 22R I'm putting together as well as some axle upgrades, a full rewire of whole truck, brake upgrades, regearing, diffs, and possibly a lift and suspension upgrades. I figure going to a newer more durable trans made a lot of sense since these old five speeds are getting hard to find. What trans can I bolt up to my 22R with an overdrive and a good transfer case that will be better than what I got now? I know this will involve fab work (crossmember, trans tunnel, driveshafts). Anybody got a suggestion for me and where I can look for a core to start with?

 

It will more than likely be a harder find than a L52 tranny, but seek out a R151F tranny from a turdo'd p/u or 4Runner. They are much stronger and will give you a 23 spline tcase. I am not really too familiar with other popular swaps that do not come from some 22R/E vehicle.

 

I managed to find a R150F with a t case close to me for a good price. From what I understand I will need a different bellhousing to bolt that up to my 22. I think it would suit my needs well.

 

They also have the crappy chain driven tcases. I'd try and find a W56 tranny and call it a day. My two pesos.

 

yep do this. a w56 is cheaper, slightly lighter, easier to find, and very reliable.

the 22r to r15X bellhousing is expensive and hard to find. the r15X transmissions are stronger, but again, expensive and hard to find.

the w56 came on trucks from 1985-95, so lots of sources out there

(as i type this, i currently have 2 r151-f trannys at home )

 

Thank you guys for the opinions! A W series is what my mechanic and I decided would probably be best after some thought. He will be building the driveshafts as well.

 

for your reading pleasure:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_W_transmission

 

Being in the same boat as you and having done my homework, I decided that a later W56 was the transmission for me, so I just bought one for about a third of what an R151 goes for. You want a forward-shift (89 and later) to keep the stock shifter location. You'll need to modify the driveshafts and crossmember, or make an adapter plate to keep the crossmember where it is. There may also be some mix-n-matching of clutch parts and engine/trans braces required.