Topic: advice on the simpest 1980 5-speed swap?

[toocee]

My stock L43 has lost 1st gear, and this seems like the perfect time to drop in a 5-speed gearbox. In a perfect world, I'd like to do a bolt-on exchange. After some research it appears that an L50 or L52 would fit the bill here, but I don't know if the overall dimensions are the same as the 4-speed L43. Does anyone have these numbers?

Has anyone dropped a 5-speed in place of their old 4-speed on a '79-'83? Any tips would be appreciated.

[kyle_22r]

L50 and L52 should a direct bolt-in swap.  however, they're quite a bit weaker than say, a w56

[toocee [OP]]

Thanks for the reply, kyle_22r. As I don't do any heavy offroading (my truck is my daily driver, get-through-the-snow, help other people move kinda vehicle) I don't need the stoutness of the later trannys, though I'd like to do that swap ideally. I've found an L52 anyway, so I'm going to replace the bearings and drop that in there. Wheel on!

[79coyotefrg]

Thanks for the reply, kyle_22r. As I don't do any heavy offroading (my truck is my daily driver, get-through-the-snow, help other people move kinda vehicle) I don't need the stoutness of the later trannys, though I'd like to do that swap ideally. I've found an L52 anyway, so I'm going to replace the bearings and drop that in there. Wheel on!

Best choice, I'm planning on the same swap myself

[hawaii500_1999]

bolts right in.  i just swapped mine out this past summer.  the old shifter even fit.

[Marlin]

From 79 to 95, Toyota made two familys of 4 cyl transmissions;--First;  21" long (L43 4 sp 79-80 20R), (L45 4 sp 81-82),
(L50 5 sp 81-82) and (L52 5 sp 83). And secound 25.5" long, (G52 84-85 5 sp carb), (G54 85-88 5 sp carb), (G58 89-95 5 sp efi), (W56 early 5 sp 85-88), (W56 late 89-95 5 sp efi), (R151F 86-87 5 sp efi turbo). The longer transmissions are always better with the R151F being the best.
I am surpised that your trans lost first gear, most loose 3rd due to the small 19 mm center pin and cage bearings.
In your case, the easisest swap would be to stay with a 21" trans with the 83 L52 being the best and strongest choice. (I make a heavy duty L52HD which is 30% stronger than stock). By staying with the 21" trans, you can reuse your crossmember and frame mounts, drivelines, flywheel and clutch assm, and starter. You will have to grind down the unused oversize splines on the 79-80 t-case input gear. Begining in 81, the clutch is self adjusting, this will require the 81 and newer slave clyinder, fork, release bearing and collar.  The hole for the trans shifter will need to be moved to the left because the new trans is a top shifter instead of a right hand side sifter. The two lower bellhousing bolts will need to be replaced, the L43 bolts are too short. The L43 trans handle will not work, the machined ball end that holds the nylon socket is 5/8" longer and 1/4" to small. Other than above set backs, the L52 has a lower first gear 3.93 instead of 3.67 and you gain a 5th gear. I have converted well over 50 trucks, and still get calls on this conversion. Here is a pitcure of the L52 transmission.     Marlin

[BigMike]

Hey Marlin, what's up?

Here is a pitcure of the L52 transmission

  Marlin