H55 5-Speed Overdrive Transmission

Fuel Injected, roller 383 GM Small Block to Ranger er Torque Splitter, to new H55, rebuilt FJ62 Transfer Case w/3:1 lo range gear set, into FJ62(yes 2 overdrives)	2FE(2F Balanced/blueprinted 9:1 CR short block w/ 3FE Fuel Injected cylinder head) , new H55 transmission, rebuilt FJ62 Transfer Case into FJ62	GM Performance Crate "Ramjet", Advance Adapters bell housing, new H55, rebuilt transfer case, drum brake parking brake conversion, into 1976 FJ40
Roller 383 , Ranger Torque Splitter, New H55, FJ62 Transfer Case	GM Performance Crate "Ramjet", Advance Adapters bell housing, new H55, rebuilt transfer case, drum brake parking brake conversion, into 1976 FJ40	GM Performance Crate "Ramjet", Advance Adapters bell housing, new H55, rebuilt transfer case, drum brake parking brake conversion, into 1976 FJ40

The 60 Series Land Cruiser is a truly great vehicle. It was sold around the world in many configurations with Hi-roof line models, rear ambulance doors or gate doors, diesel engines of various types, gasoline engines, interior configurations, and of course different transmissions. In the USA we were offered the 60 series with one body version, one engine type, and one transmission. Basically we could choose our exterior color, and either get a brown or gray interior, but the rest of the vehicle was a take it or leave it option. From 8/1980 through 8/1987 we got the FJ60. It came with a gasoline powered, carbureted in-line 6 cylinder 2F that had emissions equipment to frighten most mechanics. It also came with a 4 speed manual transmission with 4th gear being a 1:1 and no overdrive. From 9/1987-1/1990 we were offered the FJ62. The engine was given a shorter stroke and multi port fuel injection. The transmission was changed to an automatic that actually had an overdrive, problem was it soaked about 15% of the power the engine made turning the USA version of the 60 series into a vehicle that “gathered speed” instead of one that actually accelerated. The rest of the world was not so unfortunate. In addition to various engine options that include 6 cylinder turbo diesels, they were also offered the H55, 5 speed manual transmission that had an overdrive. Not only is this transmission more highway friendly, it has a 1st gear that is 27% lower than the 1st gear in our USA 4 speeds found on the FJ60 making it much more off road capable. To put this change in 1st gear ratio into perspective, it would be the same as taking a vehicle with a 4.11 ring and pinion ratio and changing it to 5.63 ratio(if it existed). Another way to look at this lower 1st gear … if you took a stock US version FJ60 and put in the H55 transmission and at the same time changed from 29” diameter tires to 35” tires your 1st gear ratio to the ground would actually be lower than you started with the 29” tires.



Adapting the H55 into most Land Cruisers is pretty easy, but will require require some work, and additional parts depending on the model, production date, and engine it is being mated to. The H55 will mate to a USA 4 speed transmission bell housing, with some minor filing required on some bell housings to clear the upper oil feed bosses in the bearing retainer of the H55. It also uses the same clutch, clutch fork, throw out bearing and pilot bearing. This also means any V-8 adapter that will mate to the USA 4 speed will also accept the H55. The H55’s shift lever is at the rear of the top cover, which helps when locating a V-8 into an FJ40 or FJ55 by allowing the engine to be moved forward so the distributor will clear the firewall without cutting and the shift lever will not end up in the middle of the FJ40’s heater. The bottom of the H55 has threaded bosses to accept a rubber transmission mount just like the US version 4 speeds, and when used with a crossmember it is an ideal mounting method for V-8 conversions. The H55 is about 3-1/2” longer than pre 4/1985 US version 4 speeds. And when installed on vehicles built before 4/1985 drive shaft lengths will need to be altered accordingly, and the flanges will need to be matched to the transfer output flanges. On 4/1985-8/1987 FJ60’s the H55 is pretty much a direct bolt in. There is no difference in it’s length, shift lever positions, etc. On 1988-1990 FJ62’s the H55 is shorter than the automatic and will require drive shaft work, and moving the transmission cross-member. The other obvious issue is the lack of a clutch pedal. This is a pretty easy conversion with a used pedal bucket from an FJ60. All of the hydraulics from a FJ60 bolt up, as will the bell housing, clutch assembly, etc. The floor will require a hole for the shift lever and again an FJ60 boot will work. The 3FE requires a special non-USA flywheel for installation. The shift lever for the H55 is model specific and a 4 speed lever will not work. 



The H55 has a 19 spline output shaft and will not work with earlier 10 or 16 spline transfer cases as found on FJ40’s and 55’s. To adapt a 19 spline requires some additional parts and to feed oil to the 5th gear cluster. Not all 19 spline split transfer cases will work with the H55. A common issue with installing a H55 into a FJ40 or 55 is the lack of a parking brake on the rear output of most split type transfer cases. This can be solved in several different ways. First option, the transfer case can be converted to an aftermarket disc brake parking brake. This option will require a custom hand brake cable. Another option is to convert the rear axle to one from a 60 series that has built in parking brake actuation. This will also yield an axle that is 3” wider than the standard 40/55 axles delivering a more stable ride. Used 60 rear axles are relatively inexpensive and moving the spring saddles is fairly easy. The transfer case from an automatic FJ62 will easily adapt to the H55 with some small parts. Mounting a split type transfer case to an H55 requires that the t/case be dismantled and reassembled onto the transmission, so if you have some miles on your t/case, this would be the time to replace the bearings/gaskets/seals and inspect the internals. 

We offer H55 transmissions brand new from Toyota, carrying a Toyota warranty. 

We also offer our H55’s with transfer cases on them, or you can send us your compatible transfer case and we will rebuild it and mount it. If we are converting to a parking brake type transfer case, there is no additional labor charge to install the kit at the time of rebuilding. We also can do the full installation/conversion in our shop. Contact our service department at ext 116 for scheduling and costs.

New, this is pretty easy, brand new from Toyota, carrying a Toyota warranty.

We also offer our H55’s with transfer cases on them, or you can send us your compatible transfer case and we will rebuild it and mount it. If we are converting to a parking brake type transfer case, there is no additional labor charge to install the kit at the time of rebuilding. We also can do the full installation/conversion in our shop. Contact our service department at ext 116 for scheduling and costs.

Other related links:
Split Transfer Case Parking Brake Conversion
H55 OVERDRIVE 5-SPEED TRANSMISSION

PART NO.	DESCRIPTION ***Prices subject to change without notice*** Shipping/handling charges are not included in the cost of parts and will be added when order is shipped	ITEM PRICE *does not include freight*
	TRANSMISSIONS ONLY
33030-H55	New OEM Toyota H55 Transmission	$2,750
PART NO.	DESCRIPTION ***Prices subject to change without notice*** Shipping/handling charges are not included in the cost of parts and will be added when order is shipped	ITEM PRICE *does not include freight*
	TRANSMISSIONS WITH TRANSFER CASES
33110-5SPDTTC	New OEM Transmission w/ Rebuilt Transfer Case	$4,395
PART NO.	DESCRIPTION ***Prices subject to change without notice*** Shipping/handling charges are not included in the cost of parts and will be added when order is shipped	ITEM PRICE *does not include freight*
	INSTALLATION PARTS
33530-H55	New H55 Shift Lever	$210.26
33504-H55BLK	Shift Knob W/pattern OEM Black	$55.71
33110-INSTKIT	Small Parts Kit H55 to USA Transfer Case	$63.00
83710-69055	Speedo Cable 9/1973-84 FJ40 2450mm	$34.95
83710-H5560	Speedo Cable 1980-1987 FJ60 W/H55	$59.95
	PARKING BRAKE OPTIONS
46501-5SPEED	Stock Type Parking Brake Conversion Kit
46500-DISCKA	Disc Brake Parking Brake Conversion Kit
	CLUTCH COMPONENTS
	TRANSMISSION MOUNT