I have a 1979 4x4 short bed with the stock manuel 4 speed thats days are numbered and want to trade it for a newer 5 speed manuel. Anyone know what year toyota tranny that would be the best to use? 4.38 diffs 20/22r hybrid. thanx

the "easiest" swap would be an L50 or L52. they are the 5 speeds found in '81-83 4x4s, and are the same length as your L43. the only mod you have to do is enlarge the hole in the floor. you'll need to grab the clutch set for the truck you pull it from, the slave cylinder, clutch hub and fork.

thanx, there are a couple junk yards in my area with a few toyota 4x4's just wanted to get an opinion before i go buy one. do you think the 1st gear ratio will be about the same in 4low? the stock 79 was just were i wanted it for crawlin

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/faq/parts/

Scroll down. I also think Marlincrawler has the ratio information on his site for the early trannies as well.

Good luck!

If you plan on lifting your truck much, you might want to consider upgrading to the newer 5-speeds (84-up). They are about 6" longer and allow for a longer front driveline. I have installed alot of these and they are a very simple install if you have a shortbed, if not, you will need to have some drivelines either modified or custom ones made. If you have a shortbed, you can just use the drivelines from the donor shortbed truck or any 4Runner. You then rotate your crossmember 180 on a verticle plane and redrill one hole on each side where the old front hole lines up in the center of the frame. Drill a 1/2" hole through the frame and install a 6" 1/2-13 bolt. You will end up with only 3 bolts per side if you use this method, but I have not had any issues with this.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Jeff

don't think i'm going to lift it at all. how it is right now I have been able to 4-wheel without too much problems in clearance. it sees more of steep inclines and ditches/ ruts than huge obsticals. I mostly find old trails behind long barn through the forrest and this truck goes over what ever I have come across so far. plus I dont like the body roll on lifted trucks. been in one that rolled. Isn't fun. thanx though.

They are still a good upgrade. Better bearings and all.
Good luck.
Jeff