Tranny life of a 80 3FE?

[OneTime]

I have an 92 3FE with 200 on its clock. It have whole list of things im working ut. The big one right now being and have a huge AC leak. Two weeks ago i had a shop charge up my empty system only to have it all leak out in 45 mins. I live n PHNX so AC is a big issue, The leak is in the dash and might be costly to fix. I also have to rebuild my PS steering gear box. Then more than likely the BIRFs. I have almost zero wrenching skills so, I either find some one to help me or pay a pro. Im thinking a may need to spend over 2500.00 just to fix the above items.

Right now its not my DD. And if I am to drive it more often I need to either get smaller then the 33 MTs I have now or rear gear. Either way, another grand. So If I drop about 3 to 4 grand to get my truck in good order....Will my tranny be going soon? I think I read its about 3 grand to fix a 3FE tranny. I have a hard time dropping that much cash in a underpowered, 13 mpg, no ABS or Airbag rig. How long will my tranny last? I should add it runs great right now. Though it does 'thud' when I shift into R.

 

[weak-link]

The majority go 250-300,000.

keep the fluid cool(add a cooler and gauge), change the fluid once a year.

the clunk is normal, nothing to worry about. the splines on the output shaft get worn and create slack(thud).

 

[OneTime]

Whats the cost of adding a cooler and is it a simple or difficult job. And if noramal is 250-300. My luck it will go at 205.

 

[weak-link]

coolers can be cheap to big bucks. start with what you can afford and a trans temp gauge. I would say the gauge is the most important part.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?Ntt=trans+cooler&N=700+115+1004&Ntk=KeywordSearch

sign up on the yahoo 3FE group and ask the same question they will beable to
give alot more info.

 

[OneTime]

Do you have a link to the hyahoo group? I can never find it with a google search

 

[weak-link]

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/3FE/

 

[Pskhaat]

3FE trannies should go a long, long time. AC leaks are PITAs I'm sorry. The rest though should be simple. Birfield pack is relatively easy albeit a long process, there are a few LC clubs in the Valley that hold multi-annual birfield parties and you can have an expert looking over your shoulder for it.

What is going on with your PS? Simply leaking, just groaning, etc? There are a few esoteric ways of dealing with LC PS boxen.

I need to either get smaller then the 33 MTs I have now or rear gear.

At least that is the same across all LC owners Drop down to 31|32" tires for your DD commute; lot less than a regear.

I think I read its about 3 grand to fix a 3FE tranny.

May be, but a used great condition tranny is only $750 over at http://cruiserparts.net

Though it does 'thud' when I shift into R.

A lot of 'em do, no worries.

 

[OneTime]

Pskhaat thanks for all the info. All I know is the AC leak is somewhree in the dash. My PS gear box is leaking from where the steering colum connects. So far I have drained the resevoir and added about a bottle and a half of Lucas PS Stop Leak. It has slowed it down, but still leaks. The PS doesnt make any real noise unless its cold. (Not often right now in PHNX) or if the fluid gets low.

Tires vs gears. I plan aon doing alot of hi way driving with my truckto places like Moab, Fruita, St Goerge, CA etc on MT bike trips and Baja to kayak. I know the 80 esp 3FE proabably isnt the best veh for such an allplication. I do like the look and function of the 33. But am willing to go to 32 for better performance. Plus I dont like the 12.5 it caem with. But would regearing to say 4.56 help with my MPG and Power issues? I have read alot about 4.88 but I plan to cruise at about 75 mph on the highway.

Im really on the fence with keeping my 80 or going to a Montero for better MPG and highway performance. For what I use it for the IFS is fine and maybe even better. But I really like owning and LC and being a part of LC crowd. Right now it almost all emotional tie to my truck. There are many other platforms that would function better for my needs.

 

[Pskhaat]

o far I have drained the resevoir and added about a bottle and a half of Lucas PS Stop Leak.

Google this as you'll think I'm crazy but try putting an ounze of Downy liquid softener in the fluid reservoir.

I plan aon doing alot of hi way driving with my truckto places like Moab, Fruita, St Goerge, CA etc on MT bike trips and Baja to kayak. I know the 80 esp 3FE proabably isnt the best veh for such an allplication.

Actually, I would argue that the 3FE'd 80 is one of the best platforms for what you're doing. It's no star on MPG (nor is any LC), but the 3FE has TONS of benefits on which I don't need to get too detailed now like the simple ability to run 15" wheels and vented front backing plates and relative ease to move into a 4-spd or 5-spd tranny. 91-92 FJ80 are one of the strongest gasoline bush vehicles in the world IMO.

No LC (IMNSHO) shy of 1998 was designed to cruise at 75, rather more the 55mph range.

3F-E is also a fantastic EFI engine, one of the last of a true tractor breed.

I do like the look and function of the 33. But am willing to go to 32 for better performance....would regearing to say 4.56 help with my MPG and Power issues?

Yes 4.56s will help with all of the above, but there is a cost/benefit ratio. Going to a 31" or 265/75r16 equiv. should be a much better bang-for-the-buck. Now if you're keen on a little more crawl power, 4.56 should be a pretty darned good choice and would allow you a very easy 33" or even 255/85r16 upgrade.

BTW, my brother has a 4.88'd FJ80 running 35s and it's still a touch too low for highway.

 

[OneTime]

Downy in the PS resevoir? Do u think it will have and affect on an pretty good leak in my Gear Box? Any ideas how this works?

 

[Pskhaat]

Aye. I don't know how it works, but it does. Check out IH8MUD on some more specifics. It definetely helped the groaning on a past rig. You are using ATF in it right?

 

[OneTime]

Im running close to 100% Lucas PS stop leak fluid. I'm new to the wrenching thing. Did you ak if I was using automatic transmition fluid in my PS system? Now Im lost Downy and ATF

 

[Pskhaat]

I doubt it would fix a leak, but yes, you should be running Automatic Transmission Fluid in your LC's PS. It should say as much on the fluid reservoir cap. I would also try adding some Downy softner, IH8MUD guys recommend a ``cap full.'' I have used a little less than an ounze shotglass before.

 

[IZZYDUSIT]

BG product called "power steering conditioner" will take care of most groans coming from the pump.

 

[rwb0481]

I don't mean to hijack a thread, but my '92 FJ80 is clunking or shifting hard into third, especially when I'm accelerating slowly. I adjusted the throttle cable to fix the surge or quick jump from 1st to 2nd but now I have the clunk at 3rd... Do I need to adjust it back to where it was or is there anything else that will help?