W59 to R155

Hey guys, new here. I searched for a write up or some info on swapping a W59 4x4 to an R155 4x4 trans in my 1st gen. I guess my questions are:

1) worth it?
2) easy to keep the 4x4?
3) need new mounting?
4) input shaft the same?
5) keep transfer case or have to use another, if have to change then diff driveshaft pattern?

If these questions has been answered many times, please link the info or write-up for me.

Thank you!

 

R155 or R150F? It is possible to swap to the R150F and keep your transfer case but why? If you have a 4cyl like it says there's no real reason to, you'll spend lots to get the same outcome as putting in another W59. If you were boosted a lot or swapping to a another more powerful engine then maybe.

 

Well from my understanding the R155 has the same bolt pattern for the housing so I assume I need to use the R155 housing with the R150F and change the input shaft? I am building a turbo motor at the moment but I wont have it finished for a year or so due to funding, however, my W59 right now is in need of a rebuild and I am thinking why not just go ahead and beef up the trans now since I have to take it out anyway. Besides i understand the gear ratios are a lot better. With 31s I struggle in 5th on the highway if going up a slight incline.

The R155 Xfer case drops on the wrong side?

 

CHeck out this thread on CT:
http://www.customtacos.com/forum/13-performance/179433-performance-clutch-experiences-needed.html

 

Well, perhaps talking to @MadTaco461 would do you more good than me, he's got a turbo 2RZ (same bolt pattern) and a R155, they drop on the correct side, both 2nd gens and 1st gens drop on the drivers side.

 

@boostedka

Great info! Thanks I will read through this and If I have any questions all keep this thread going.

@Speedytech7

Thanks! I will see what he says. You're saying R155 drops on the driver side?

 

The R155 was used in 2nd gen Tacos with 4cyls so yeah it'll at least be compatible with that transfer case which drops on the driver's idea for the front driveshaft

 

R155 bell is a direct swap no issues. Use the R-series throw out bearing and arm. The rest of the 4x4 transmission I have no idea about. I did a 2wd swap.

Use the same starter, clutch slave, same bolts, everything plugs in. Just need to alter the trans mount.
Use the r155 shifter.

 

I noticed that on the R150F swap in the build thread above, the guy used a post 1996 R150F then had to use a laithe to shorten the input shaft, then like you guys said use the R series arm and bearing and he had to find a driver side drop R series transfer case and modify the mount. I wonder why he didnt use an R155. I'll do more research

 

@MadTaco461 @Speedytech7

Looks like the R155F Drops Driver side like you mentioned Speedy. See attached. Page 3

 

I think no one was really that bold to grab an R155. No one would give me info. Only thing I knew was the bell housing is good to go. The r155 input shaft is perfect. I pretty much had to go to a junk yard an buy one and do the measurements myself.

 

Hmm the only thing I can think of the 4x4 being an issue is that the transfer case looks like it's not mechanically actuated. All electronic solenoids. Look at page 3 you see a cover plate where a J shifter would go.

 

Yeah, we need more research but I'm almost sure a R150F jshift case would bolt up to the R155 and work fine.

 

You'd have to look at the wiring diagram and make a switch selector. It can't be that difficult. I know enough EEs that I could with some help make a standalone shift box if I have the transfer case. I could be off a little bit because 4x4 wasn't on my radar. Sounds easier than making a frankentranny.

 

It wouldn't be too bad the wiring is almost the same as a locker, just have to know where the stopping points for 4WD and 4Low are.

 

Doesn't sound too bad.

A lot of junk yards sell the trans and transfer separate. Could see if the R150 transfer hooks up.

I'll link this again. I dug through all of these for my swap.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...on-your-5-speed-transmission-write-up.338836/

 

I agree. I am pretty good at wiring and schematics (avionics tech), however, I am a big fan of everything being manually actuated. Like Xfer case, hubs, even prefer the hand crank windows. lol Less electronics the better IMO. Honestly thats 1 less thing I have to worry about. I think the R155F output has a different spline count than the R150F so I don't think the Xfer case will work. Then again please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Also here is a bunch of transfer case info. Keep us updated what you go with.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transfer-case-transfer-cases-in-first-and-2nd-gen-trucks.345652/

 

@MadTaco461 Thanks! I will keep this post alive. Time to do some more research! With a cup of Joe.

And thank you @Speedytech7 for your input as well!

 

same lol

And soldering isn't an issue for me