Hi. I usually post in the 96-02 4runner section, but I picked up another rig over the weekend.

I bought an 83 4x4 pickup that was sort of in pieces. I managed to figure out the wiring and most of the vacuum lines. I got the accessories mounted and put new belts on. I basically got the engine compartment sorted out and got the motor to fire up and idle for a bit. (radiator is still not in)

So I went to put the drive shafts in and ran into a major problem. The trans crossmember is back roughly 4 inches from its original position and tacked in place. The rear driveshaft is roughly 4 inches too long now.
The front drive shaft is too short as you might guess.


So I am thinking that the trans was swapped out for a different model. This one in it is a 5 speed, not sure if that is original.

Without having pictures at the moment, can anyone please give any input on this situation? I can look for a model number on the trans if somebody can tell me where to find it.

From what I can come up with from this link ( http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/faq/parts/ ) is that somebody may have swapped a g52 or g54 trans in it, because it has a forward shift transfer case and it looks like those are the only ones that accomodate a forward shift.
Does this sound correct?

Can I get driveshafts from a truck that originally had this trans, as long as it is a short wheelbase?

Thanks in advance for any input or advice on this

 

could also be a w56

 

Yes, I missed that one. Also had a top shift on some years.

I am going to call a someone tomorrow that has lots of toyota parts and see if I can either find the correct drive shafts, or the correct trans and transfer case.

If I can find the front shaft, I will just pay to get the rear shortened.

 

Another question I should have asked- Can anyone tell me what trans and transfer case belongs in the truck?

 

Probably an L52 5 speed would be the original. A swap to a later model tranny is really common, since the L series trannies weren't all that strong. I would stay with the newer tranny...unless you've got money and want Marlin to build you an L52HD. From everything I've heard, you'll need the rear d-shaft shortened, and the front d-shaft lengthened. Is it a short bed? Post some pics!

 

83, it is a shortbed. I will get some pics once I get the driveshafts so the truck can get out of the garage under its own power.

I talked to the local toyota junkie today, and he says he has some driveshafts that will work for me. I am getting them tomorrow along with different flanges for the axles. He also said that the original trans was a cast iron 5 speed.

I installed the rest of the cooling system today and a little bit of the interior including the shifters for the trans and transfer case. Fires up and runs smooth. I let the thermostat open and kept an eye on the temp..

I noticed that I cannot have it in 4low without the trans shifter hitting the transfer case shifter into neutral when shifting to second. Maybe I will shorten the shifter a bit or there is possibly a different style.


It seems to be coming along smoothly so far.

 

I got the driveshafts from the local toyota junkie. His toyota knowledge really impressed me. The driveshafts ended up being free He had two sweet rigs running on propane, which looks like a pretty nice setup. I may opt for that once the other things are sorted out with this truck.

I installed the rear driveshaft, just to get the truck to move under its own power. I ended up drilling a second bolt pattern on the axle flange instead of replacing the flange. I will get the front on once I get a few other things addressed.

I also found another transfer case shifter in the truck, which has a different angle than the one I had installed. I installed it, and it fits perfectly. I can shift into second without knocking into the tansfer case shifter.

Sorry, 83. I did not get any pics as of yet.

I did notice a sticker in the door jam from a place in texas. That my be why the truck seems pretty solid for being up here in the rust belt.

The major things left to do are:
1. fix the rear brake line- I think somebody tied the axle down on a trailer and broke it.
2. get some brackets rigged up to hold the crossmember in place- it is tacked in place at the moment

 

Ok. I got a few pictures!! Not the best, a little dark out.

I know many threads are useless without pictures

This is my first "older" toyota and I am proud of it at the moment It was one of those things that you see for sale and just know you must have it!

 

Nice looking truck! Looks like you got some extra parts with it, too. That thing is in really nice condition for being in your part of the country, you're right. Hopefully you can keep it that way.

I'm glad you're getting it all figured out! They are fun trucks.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of 1983's. The L52 transmission is all one unit, does not have a removable bell housing like the others. The four inch back could also be caused by someone adding another reduction box for crawling. How many holes do you have in the hump, if three, yep crawling conversion.

 

There are only the trans and transfer case shifters. There is a plate on top of the transfer case, but that is factory.

I have it on the trailer now to get the truck up to work to rig up a crossmember bracket, fix the rear brake line, change fluids, install my front driveshaft, and check things over while on the hoist.

I think I have a good lead on some 33" a/t tires too.

 

I do like the looks of those early guys. Sounds like you have a nice little project going on there.