What 5sp will fit an 81

[Yotayak]

What 5sp will fit an 81 without any adjustment? Must know soon and any info also helpful.
thanks

[Flecker]

I know the L series 52 will fit, they usualy have bearing problems and a non-removable bell housing. I know a W 56 will bolt right up... then you will for sure have a longer drive shaft up front. I would lean towards the W 56 for it's stregnth and bolt on bell housing. I may be wrong but I think the G and R series have some compatability also... R151 and G 50 something.

[toy283]

L50, L52. They can be found in later 1st gen trucks. Like said above, a G series, W series, or R series will bolt right up (if it came behind a R series engine originally) but will require driveline & crossmember mods as they are ~4" longer than your L series tranny.

[Yotayak]

So a G52 woud work? But i would have to shorten my front drive shaft.

[Flecker]

Pretty sure the G series tranny is longer, so you would shorten the rear and add some to front... prolly have them made for not to much. I woud consider the w56 first though, it's pretty tough and doesn't have bearing issues like the L series 5 spd.

[Rescue]

Ok Ill let you have my secret... go with w56 5speed found in 84-89 4runners. as for the drive shafts use both front and back drive shafts from the 4runner they will fit perfectly. use the slip yoke from the pick up with the 4runner shafts to bolt to the axle. the axle flange bolt patterns are not the same... the only thing left to do is to build a new cross member and mounts...

for that trick I will need a thank you note!

[Flecker]

Your Welcome:yes:

[Yotayak]

Thanks guys, but the problem is i just bought a brand new front drive shaft and i don't want to spend any more money.

[Jeff S.]

One way to get around from making a new crossmember is rotate the stock one 180° and drill a new hole for the now rear most hole in the center of the frame. You will need to obround the mounting holes for the transfer case mount.
Oh, the driveline thing is a straight swap if you have a short bed only. If you have a long bed the rear shaft will need modified. But the front one is a simple swap.


Jeff S.