BJ40 Restoration

[Pilgrim]

Hey everyone, I wanted to introduce myself to you. I live in Ireland and i'm in the latter stages of restoring an 81 BJ40. I wanted to ask your opinion on replacing my 4 speed gearbox with a 5 speed. Has anyone done this, any recommendations?

 

[Del boy]

Hey Pilgrim, I haven’t done it myself but do know it was done on a restoration about the same time as mine by a guy in south , Dublin, if you already have gearbox I would be happy to assist , alternatively I have the five speed out of the 70 series that could be used to measure up until your source a box, I can also help out with figuring mounts, drive shafts and bell housing, I would imagine it’s fairly straightforward

 

[Pilgrim]

Hey Del boy hows it going, thanks for getting back to me and the generous offer to help out. I pretty sorted for labour and I have a great guy with the mechanics, really what i need is advice on what 5 speed gearbox will fit and where could I get one? I probably should have been more clear.

 

[Del boy]

No worries, All that information was available on the Irish Landcruiser site, real shame it’s not available
I can’t be certain but still think the 70 series box should be a good option and easy to put your hands on, I’ve attached two pictures, my BJ restoration with the 4 speed box and my current 70 series with 5 speed box, even looking at the pictures it’s looks relatively straightforward, key for me would be drive shafts and bell housing , mountings are easily modified .
for what it’s worth needing a fifth gear in a BJ giving the driving experience won’t make a big difference, driving any distance over 25 kms an extra gear would be the least of my issues!