1978 FJ40

[X-Force]

My old man recently purchased an FJ40. 350 Chevy and a 4 speed manual. We would like to change it to an automatic. Is there any easy drop in options? Is a TH350 the easiest option? What problems will I run into.

[ALLTERRAIN]

Depends on what you want to call easy. The biggest issue you’re going to run into is front drive line clearance on the trans pan. Couple of guys I know have had to notch the pan for clearance. 350 on one and 700r4 on the other.

[jackelope]

It’ll involve a transmission, transfer case, custom front and rear drivelines. Existing T case I don’t think will mate with different trans. Maybe that goes without saying. I’m sure there is tons of info on this on YouTube. The Chevy swap is a pretty popular conversion.

[jeffro]

4 wheel drives are best with manual transmissions.
Why go automatic, seems like a waste of a good machine, in my opinion.
If you have to have an auto, buy/ trade for what you want,
Other wise, use it as is
And enjoy the ride!

[X-Force]

4 wheel drives are best with manual transmissions.
Why go automatic, seems like a waste of a good machine, in my opinion.
If you have to have an auto, buy/ trade for what you want,
Other wise, use it as is
And enjoy the ride!

He is 75 soon to be 76 and not as flexible as he once was.

[ALLTERRAIN]

It’ll involve a transmission, transfer case, custom front and rear drivelines. Existing T case I don’t think will mate with different trans. Maybe that goes without saying. I’m sure there is tons of info on this on YouTube. The Chevy swap is a pretty popular conversion.

definitely drivelines, both rigs that I now are running adapter to stock t-case but going with mated t-case from chev pickup might be a simpler way and more clearance. Plenty of these have been done so looking for a fj forum would be a great place to look at what’s needed.

[mountainman]

There are adapters to mate TH350. Not sure if Downey is still in business?