Need technical help for an uncommon early Hilux transmission swap project

[Rdsrds123]

Greetings,

I have a 1977 2WD chassis with a W43 4-speed that I want to swap to a W59 from a 1999 2.4 Tacoma 2WD. I'm looking for an easy swap and wonder if this is a workable choice. I get much of my current information from Wikipedia searching "Toyota W transmissions."

I understand that all W series transmissions interchange, however, the bell housing in the W59 will need to be changed to an earlier W, maybe my current W43?

The W59 is an upgrade from a W56, and it is very similar, the only difference is in gear ratios? I believe the W56 and the W43 are the same length, and so the drive shaft swaps fine as it is. It would follow that the W 59 is the same? Length specifications for these transmissions would be very helpful!

The transmission mount for the W56 is different from the W43. I have found a source that explains how a W56 transmission mount can be modified to fit the 1977. The part number for the W56 transmission mount is the same as for the 1999 Tacoma! Ergo, I got a swap here? Driveshaft should fit too.

The floor in the 1977 needs to be cut some to accept the new shifter. How about the speedometer cable? I am also upgrading to 4:88 gears, so something needs to be done about the speedometer gear?

I have never done anything like this before, but being armed with the necessary information make for a confident procedure. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated. Referral to other web sites or pages is also a super great help. Thanks everyone

[OVRAROK]

Greetings,

I have a 1977 2WD chassis with a W43 4-speed that I want to swap to a W59 from a 1999 2.4 Tacoma 2WD. I'm looking for an easy swap and wonder if this is a workable choice. I get much of my current information from Wikipedia searching "Toyota W transmissions."

I understand that all W series transmissions interchange, however, the bell housing in the W59 will need to be changed to an earlier W, maybe my current W43?

The W59 is an upgrade from a W56, and it is very similar, the only difference is in gear ratios? I believe the W56 and the W43 are the same length, and so the drive shaft swaps fine as it is. It would follow that the W 59 is the same? Length specifications for these transmissions would be very helpful!

The transmission mount for the W56 is different from the W43. I have found a source that explains how a W56 transmission mount can be modified to fit the 1977. The part number for the W56 transmission mount is the same as for the 1999 Tacoma! Ergo, I got a swap here? Driveshaft should fit too.

The floor in the 1977 needs to be cut some to accept the new shifter. How about the speedometer cable? I am also upgrading to 4:88 gears, so something needs to be done about the speedometer gear?

I have never done anything like this before, but being armed with the necessary information make for a confident procedure. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated. Referral to other web sites or pages is also a super great help. Thanks everyone

What motor? 20R. The 43 trans is a "L" series. A w59 is a 4wd trans. A w58 is a 2wd trans. If you go to store part of MC, and find rebuilt transmission area, alot info on lengths and stuff

[Rdsrds123]

The engine in the 1977 is the 20R.

[Rdsrds123]

W56 comes in 2WD and 4WD. Same with W59. W58 has gearing for a Celica. Go to: Wikipedia and search "Toyota W transmissions" for the details on each variation.

[OVRAROK]

W56 comes in 2WD and 4WD. Same with W59. W58 has gearing for a Celica. Go to: Wikipedia and search "Toyota W transmissions" for the details on each variation.

W56 is 4wd. W55 is 2wd. In the states..

[OVRAROK]

https://www.marlincrawler.com/products/drivetrain/transmission/transmission-rebuilt

Scroll down a bit, good info...

[Rdsrds123]

https://shop.midwesttrans.com/item/MTTOY005/85-92-TOYOTA-4X2-EFI-5SPD-W56E/

Here is an image from Midwestern Transmissions. It shows a W56 2WD. Same for the W59.

[Rdsrds123]

https://shop.midwesttrans.com/item/MTTOY028/REMAN-TRANSMISSION-TM/

Here is an image of a W59 2WD from Midwestern transmission

[Rdsrds123]

Thanks. You are correct about L43 and not W43. Scrolling down the link, I see what I want is the W56 A or B. The splines and shifter positions change on later W56s and some are 4WD. I originally wanted the W59, as Wikipedia said the OD gear was taller in the W59. I see here at a more reliable source that that is not true.

[Rdsrds123]

Martin Crawler shows the W56 E as a 4WD, and the Midwest Transmissions link shows the W56E as a 2WD transmission. Sheesh!

Is there a way to identify these transmissions when they have been removed from the vehicle?

[OVRAROK]

Every w56 ab cd and e are all 4wd. The A and B are topshift t cases, so you don't see the provisions for t case. The C D and E are forward shift t cases. So from transmission view, you see a place for t case shifter. I would definitely trust marlins info..

[OVRAROK]

Martin Crawler shows the W56 E as a 4WD, and the Midwest Transmissions link shows the W56E as a 2WD transmission. Sheesh!

Is there a way to identify these transmissions when they have been removed from the vehicle?

As far as identifying.. A and B topshift, difference between the 2 is the A has an aluminum center vs steel center on B. With the CDE. There's a difference in lengths of shifter forks. With I believe C  being shorter rods then D and E.