LUVTruck.com

first topic on this board...... ok ive got a 1981 luv 4x4, ive got toyota axles front and rear with a sfa swap that i built, 3in body lift, the truck is running 35" super swampers boggers. works great in the mud but on rocks when flexing the front drive shaft gets in a bind and locks up. were the t case goes in to the side of the trans it make the front shaft really short. im wonting to know if anyone knows of a 5 speed trans and t case that will bolt in with a right side drive shaft pick up. please help i need to get it done before spring for the rocks. thanks for the help

I get what your saying with IFS you dont need drive shaft articulation for the front diff.

LWB or SWB??? The further back you go with the front shaft the shorter the rear shaft gets. Pretty obvious i suppose.

What motor??? Still the Luv engine???

If so, use a 5 speed out of a 2.3L Trooper. Its the same box but becuase its a 5 speed (5th gear is out the rear of the main housing) it is 4 or 5 inches longer and so is the jack shaft for the front diff. The chassis on a 5 speed is different as the crossmember is further back but id say with any swap to do what you want to do your going to have to mod the x-member anyway. It might be best to get a whole Trooper. If i recall right the X-member for the trans is removable and it bolts up to the chassis from underneath in about the same spot as the fixed member for the 4 speed 4x4 and the 2x4.

You could also use the 5 speed from a 2.6L it still has the same bellhousing pattern for the back of the motor but the box is a bit bigger then the belly with stronger internals.

You could even fit the bigger 2.3 or 2.6L motor at the same time for a bit more go.


Another option would be to move the motor and trans back, that will get you a longer front shaft, not a real good option.


Or convert back to a 4x2 trans and get a remote transfer case. I think some Mitsibushi's used them. L200 ute/cab chassis and i think the L300 van.


Ive got a 5 speed here that came out of a 2.3L trooper. If you want some measurements give me a yell, i can get at it pretty easy.


Cheers, Bob.

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Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

This may sound dumb, but keep in mind that it has been about 8 years since I've had a 4x4 LUV, or even looked under one for that matter, so I don't remember completely. Does that front drive shaft have a slip joint in it? Since the truck originally had IFS, it may just be a solid drive shaft, correct?

What I'm getting at is modify a drive shaft with a slip joint, like from an older full size truck, to work with your u-joints. That would allow your driveshaft to get longer and shorter as the differential goes up and down.

If the driveshaft already has a slip joint, and you're still having this problem, then forget everything i said, I'm an idiot.

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No LUV anymore, but still in the GM truck family. Running a lifted 2002 Silverado Z-71!

Its got a slip joint.

Its just not long enough and the unis bind up by the sound of it.


Bob.

_________________
Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

the truck is a swb, but the rear axle has been moved back 4 1/2 in. with a flat bad. is there a trans that the t case monts on the rear (not on the side) that will fit. the trans out of the trooper would be a "maybe" but if i do go bigger then i would be back to this same thing again. the trooper trans isnt hydrolic clutch is it. thanks again and yes it is the stock motor for an 81 (is a 78 motor the same found one for $100)

2.3L were cable here
2.6L are hydraulic.


If i were you i would be keeping an eye out for a 4x4 Isuzu with a manual trans are an EFI 2.6L. Something with a damaged body and a good drive train. Or the equivalent turbo diesel Isuzu.


Bob.

_________________
Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.