Toyota manual - Advance Adapters

TRANSFER CASE INDENTIFICATION
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TRANSFER CASE IDENTIFICATION
Throughout the years Toyota used basically two types of transfer cases: chain or gear-driven. All gear-driven
cases have the same bolt pattern with a 2.28:1 low gear ratio. They did, however, use two input splines which
were 21 and 23. The chain-driven transfer case offered two input splines which were 23 and 26. The bolt
pattern on these cases differed from the gear-driven transfer case. These chain-driven transfer cases have
a 2.57:1 low gear ratio. This section first helps you to identify your transfer case. In addition, it will cover the modifications necessary
when installing a different transmission or the Trail Tamers gears. One of the easiest ways to identify the difference between a chain
or gear-driven transfer case is by looking under your vehicle. The transfer case rear cover is either bolted on with 5 bolts (chain)
or 7 bolts (gear).
Gear-driven T/C 7 bolts (gear T/C) Gear drive T/C shifter Chain-driven T/C 5 bolts (chain T/C)
For further assistance in identifying the different transfer cases Toyota used, we reference the stock transmissions use in these
vehicles. These transmission codes are normally found in the engine compartment on vehicles 1979-83, or the driver’s side door
jam on vehicles 1984 & newer.
1979-1980 4-SPEED with GEAR-DRIVEN 21 SPLINE TRANSFER CASE:
The first Toyota 4WD was produced in 1979. 1979-80 vehicles used a manual 4 speed (tranny code
L43). This transmission was coupled to a gear-driven 21 spline transfer case.
The input shaft on this transfer case was odd because it did not have a standard spline relief, as did
all other Toyota 21 spline gear-driven transfer cases. On these transfer cases, some grinding is required
on the input shaft for proper fit on our adapters. When adapting to this transfer case, the shifter linkage
will stay mounted on the transfer case. If installing the Trail Tamer gears in this transfer case, you
will be required to modify the shift forks. Some internal grinding on the case may be necessary for this
gearing upgrades.
1981-1983 5-SPEED with GEAR-DRIVEN 21 SPLINE TRANSFER CASE:
1981-82 tranny code L45 4-speed, 1981-82 tranny code L50 5-speed and 1983 tranny code L52
5-speed. All three transmissions used in these years were all integral (one piece bellhousing and
transmission). The overall length of these transmissions varied. When adapting a new engine &
transmission on these year vehicles, driveline modifications should be expected. These transmissions
were coupled to a gear-driven 21 spline transfer case.
Although there were three different transmissions used, there was only one model transfer case used.
The transfer case shifter is mounted on the top of this transfer case. The gears on this transfer case
are categorized as “noisy run gears”. If installing the Trail Tamer gears in this transfer case, you will
be required to modify the shift forks. Some internal grinding on this case will be necessary.
1984-1988 (Carbureted) 5-SPEED with GEAR-DRIVEN 21 SPLINE TRANSFER CASE:
1984-88 tranny G52 & G54 5-speed. These transmissions were normally coupled to a carbureted 4
cylinder. These transmissions offered a removable bellhousing, allowing these transmissions to be
retained for engine swaps. These transmissions were coupled to a gear-driven 21 spline transfer case.
Although there were two different transmissions used in these years, only one model transfer case was
used. The transfer case shifter was mounted on the stock 5-speed tailhousing. Our transfer case
adapters will allow you to retain this same transfer case shifter configuration. This transfer case also
used a retainer clip to secure the two front bearings. This clip must be removed when using one of our
adapters. If installing the Trail Tamer gears in this transfer case, some internal grinding on the case
may be necessary.