The first Toyota 4 speed transmission was introduced in 1974, with a transmission length of 12”. The design of this transmission was such that an adapter plate would not be compatible to mate the transmission to a stock GM bellhousing. This particular transmission requires two dowel pins for alignment between the 4 speed and stock Toyota bellhousing. The input shaft length was not long enough to allow for any type of adapter plate.
In order to assemble the 4 speed transmission to a Chevy V8, it was necessary to manufacture a completely new bellhousing. Since Ford V8 conversions are not as popular as the Chevy V8, we only manufacture a full bellhousing for the Chevy V8 engine. The bellhousing we manufacture is specially machined to accept the Land Cruiser 4 speed dowel pin alignment to assemble it directly to a Chevy V8 or GM 292 in-line 6 cylinder engine. This bellhousing can only be used with the later model Chevy engines that have the starter motor mounted directly to the engine block. The bellhousing is not compatible with the 265 model GM V8 engine.
When using this bellhousing, all of the original clutch controls can be retained. The original ball pivot, release arm, release bearing collar, and slave cylinder are all remounted to the conversion bellhousing. The new bellhousing will permit the use of a 168 tooth GM flywheel, along with an 11" pressure plate assembly. In order to make sure that the slave cylinder has the proper clutch throw, we recommend only the Centerforce 11" clutch pressure plate, P/N CF165473S. With each new bellhousing kit, we include a new release bearing that is identical to the late model Land Cruiser 4 speed release bearing. By using this large release bearing with the Centerforce pressure plate, the slave cylinder will have sufficient travel for proper clutch disengagement.
Our bellhousing will require the transfer case to be relocated forward a minimum distance of 3-1/2". This relocation is required for clearance necessary around the Chevy V8 distributor. This kit also requires driveshaft & floorboard modifications. Be aware that placing the engine too far forward can cause excessive clearance issues with the 4 speed shifter and heater vent. Also, most shifter handles will need to be modified to provide heater vent clearance.
Be sure that the original dowel pins from the stock Land Cruiser bellhousing are reused with our new housing. FAILURE TO USE THESE DOWEL PINS WILL CAUSE SEVERE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH MISALIGNMENT PROBLEMS.
Chevy V8 conversion kit 713024-EK: (This kit should not be used on FJ60 vehicles)
(This kit consists of the following items which are also available individually.)
712532 - Bhsg. adapter
713124 - Motor mounts
716022 - Crossmember
716023 - Temperature bushing
Chevy Gen III conversion kit 713026-EK:
712532 - Bhsg. adapter
713088 - Motor mounts
716022 - Crossmember
716023-LS - Temperature bushing
712500T - Flywheel & clutch
To retain the stock 4 speed, another option is to use a Mark’s 4WD adapter kit. They offer conversion bellhousings for both the Chevy and Ford engines. Their bellhousing adapter is 4-7/8” thick and mounts directly onto the engine side of the original Land Cruiser bellhousing. Although the Mark’s kits are slightly more expensive than our design, their special housings provide a very distinct advantage:
The biggest advantage of their kit is that it retains the drivetrain in the stock location, eliminating any relocation of the transfer case. The original driveshafts, transmission, and transfer case location all remain unchanged. The kit is supplied with a new bellhousing mount for the passenger side and three spacers that must be used between the bellhousing and the original bellhousing support on the driver’s side. By using these components, you are able to move the engine centerline back to 12”. Mark’s 4WD kit retain the stock clutch linkage & slave cylinder and includes a new release bearing.
MARK’S 4WD ADAPTORS MARK’S 4WD ADAPTORS
Chevy V8 conversion kit 713025-EK:
712525 - Bhsg. adapter
713124 - Motor mounts
713038 - Bhsg. mount
Chevy Gen III conversion bellhousing 713027-EK:
712525 - Bhsg. adapter
713088 - Motor mounts
713038 - Bhsg. mount
712500T - Flywheel & clutch kit