18r 4 speed to 5 speed , just swap bellhousings on a 3y box

[Brenton]

hey guys is it possible to drop a 5 speed box from a 3y into a '81 hilux with a 18r and 4 speed (side shift) by just changing the bellhousings to the 18r one or are the boxes different? and will i need to change the drive shafts ?
cheers brenton

[RUFF]

You will need a bellhousing clutch fork and slave cyl off a 22R hilux. The tailshafts are different lengths. You will need to shorten the rear and get the front shaft out of a 5spd or have yours extended. You will also need to re-mount the gearbox crossmember back further on your chassie rails.

[Brenton]

cool so its a bit of work , if i was thinking about going dual transfer i guess it would make more sense to do it all at the same time since im getting the driveshafts modified already. do u think it is better to keep the 18r over say a 3y or 4y ?
cheers brenton

[flyinwall]

change to a better motor while your changing to a better gearbox you will enjoy it more in the long run

[Brenton]

do u mean a 3/4y motor as better ?

[flyinwall]

4y is 2.2lt from memory so yes they are a better motor and have more torque as well

[Willy Hilux]

I had dual transfers behind a 3Y and went great. Had the carby rebuilt and told them it was 4x4 only. They did a great job and never went wrong on steep hills or angles. 4y would be better and 3RZ is the way TO GO!!!