Topic: Transmission questions for a 1980 build-up

[11 Bravo]

I have a 1980 pick up with a 20R. I almost traded this truck away because it needs so much work, but I decided to give it a second chance at life. I bought it as an abandoned vehicle from a local towing company. It didn't take too much to get it running and the engine runs pretty good. Lots of other problems though and I tend to get carried away on projects. Anyway, here are my transmissions questions.

The transmission in this truck is a L43.

I have a line on a 1981 L52 that is in a retired ranch truck. Probably used pretty hard but it still works fine.

I have a line on a 1985 W56 from a wrecked extended cab 22RE that is supposed to be good.

I have a R150 from a 1991 4Runner 3.0.

Does anybody know if the bellhousing from the L43 will fit the R150? Provided I could mate it to the engine, I could run it with the chain transfer case unit for a while until I get some of the other work done.

What do you guys think would be the smart way to go here?

Tom

[Duffil]

go with the W56.  Strong tranny and geardriven case.

[CTENG in KS]

go with the W56.  Strong tranny and geardriven case.

X2
If you plan to stay with the toy engine the w56 is more than enough transmission, and you get to keep the gear drive case which sets you up nice to run duals or go with crawler gears.

[11 Bravo [OP]]

Thanks for the input guys. I was pretty much decided on the W56 but thought I would get a few opinions.

I am still curious about mating the R150 to the 20R as I already have the R150. I don't see where anybody does this, so it must be a real pain or it must not be a very good choice.

The R150 is supposed to be a strong transmission, and the transfer case swap to gear can be made. If the bellhousing from the L43 will fit the R150 I can get it going and suffer the transfer case upgrade later in the project (the truck needs to be a part time driver for the next year or so). Like I said, the truck needs a lot of stuff and if I could make this swap work on the cheap it would be great. Does anybody know if the bellhousing swap will work? Is this crazy talk?

Heck, I will probably buy the W56 anyway, but now that I thought about this I just want to know. Maybe I will just have to try it.

[79coyotefrg]

11bravo,  the w56 is extremely strong, but if your in cali i would work something out with marlin for a swap on the 150  and get a L52HD,  it uses a G54 gear set and keeps the short tranny for the tight space in the 1st gen cab,  i think the w56 is like 8 inches longer than the L43 but the L52 or L52HD from marlin will bolt right in. 

so where are you  

[Ferg]

The L43 b/h won't fit anything but an L43.  A W56 would be plenty for a 20R.  If you can find/afford a R151F/R150F do that.  Durability would be bitchin'.

Check Marlin's website for gear ratios and measurements.

[UNBREAKABLE]

you'll have to find/buy a r151 bellhousing if you were to use the r150. The disadvantage to using this tranny is the fact that they have chain drive t-cases(but the low range is lower than a stock 4cyl) If you wanted to change to a gear drive case Marlin and Inchworm both sell an adapter plate to do it. I would stick with the w-56 if it is in good shape.  I will vouch for the strength of the w-56 b/c I am running dual tranny's(w56's) in my 79 model (long wheelbase)

[11 Bravo [OP]]

11bravo, the w56 is extremely strong, but if your in cali i would work something out with marlin for a swap on the 150 and get a L52HD, it uses a G54 gear set and keeps the short tranny for the tight space in the 1st gen cab, i think the w56 is like 8 inches longer than the L43 but the L52 or L52HD from marlin will bolt right in.

so where are you

I am in Northeast Wyoming.

I will be seeing the guy with the W56 later this week. I will get the drivlines and cross member from him too. I would guess the front driveline from the wreck will work in mine, but with the wreck being an extended cab I will probably have to get a new rear shaft made.

I really want to get this tranny changed out. The L43 leaks oil (I hate oil leaks) and the shifter is so worn out it is tough to find gears sometimes. I work at one of the coal mines here and have long changes where I have 5 or 7 days off at a time. I have a welder and other fabrication tools so it shouldn't be anything I can't handle.