[timmyd112]

So looking at an LJ81 that the owner says has a "top loading 4spd gearbox". From what I can see it is the same 4spd gearbox with the shifter moved to directly above. pushing the shifter towards the firewall and removing need for linkages?. Has anyone seen this before? and why would they do it? I am new to LJs so I dont have much knowledge

[sideways]

Sounds like it's got an SJ40 gearbox in it.

[timmyd112]

So the sj40 4speed is different to the lj80?
And is there any benefit for that swap?

[Gwagensteve]

It'll be because that's what someone could get hold of easily. I'm no LJ expert but I wouldn't consider it an upgrade - the LJ80 gearbox has a 3.8:1 first gear and from memory the SJ410 gearbox has a 3.0:1 first gear. That'll make 1st low much taller (faster) which is never a good thing.

[sideways]

Yeah SJ40 gearboxes are much easier to find and generally worthless. It's a fair bit of work to fit though.

As Steve said the SJ40 gearbox has closer ratios (3.16 first vs 3.835). The SJ40 gearing is nicer to drive on the road, LJ80 is nicer offroad. On road the LJ80 feels to low in first (often take off in 2nd, 1st high is 27:1) and a bit wide between 3rd and 4th. The SJ40 top loader shifter is a lot nicer to use than the LJ80 linkage shifter.

[timmyd112]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot. So would they of had to cut or change any mounts to fit the sj410 gearbox? Obviously I know the trans tunnel needed a hole cut into it.
All I want is a stock car that I can keep fairly original or at least put back to original fairly easily