I have an 89 2x4 with the 22r motor and a 4 speed transmission. A coworker recently old me that he had the same and that a transmission shop put a 5th gear in his transmission for him. I said surely they just swapped it out for a 5 speed. He was adamant that they did not swap trannys but just put in the extra gear. Is this possible? And if so, is it something that a shade tree mechanic like me might be able to do? Thanks

 

Your coworker is a moron. There are aftermarket overdrive units you can buy that can be put on some vehicles, but it takes alot of work.

 

They did a 5spd swap which is common and pretty easy to do

 

Sure it could be done but the cost would be quite expensive.

We are talking in the case and not a bolt on after drive unit.

Then you would need to turn shafts cut gears .

More or less build a transmission to fit in the case you have.

While some shade tree mechanics might be equipped to do this things most have moved into a shed by this time.

I would also have to go with the 5 speed swap If your friend did not do the work they most likely don`t know what was done.

 

Even if it could be done, tearing a transmission down is not easy for the shade tree mechanic. I swapped in an 83 Celica transmission into an 87 that was a 5 speed when my 87 was a 4 speed and it was a direct swap. No changing driveshafts, tranny mounts, or speedometer gear. Another option that you could look into.

 

I'm getting a little over 28 mpg with mostly highway driving on my 4 speed. I wonder what kind of a difference the 5 speed would make...