transmission adaptability

[teenahlake]

Was told by a mechanic, that a regular 5 speed would fit and that just changing out some pieces in the rear would allow 4wd, minus extra low. truth or fiction

[4wdchico]

From what I know, I am sure that most all of the parts inside the 2wd 5 speed & 4wd manual 6sp trannys will interchange. However, I am pretty sure that the output shafts in the 2wd and 4wd units are different. After all, the 4wd trans output shaft must put power out both forward and back while the 2wd trans must only feed power to the front diff. Anyone know for sure?

[Petros]

The gear ratios are slightly different in the 4wd version, and I would suspect the main shaft and auxiliary shaft are different (because of the rear out put shaft and the EL gear). So I would think while there might be some interchangeable parts, and the designs are similar (except for the rear wheel drive output shaft and EL), there would not be much that is interchangeable.

Could you make a FWD trans work in the 4wd version? Perhaps by taking it all apart and swapping main shaft and other parts back and fourth, maybe. But why bother, and it just will not drive the same with the taller gears in it.

[gatemaster]

It would be nice if the mr2 transaxle could be turned around and bolt the 4wd tail extension on to it as a replacement for the tecel trans., then put a better rear axle in and crank up the power on a 4age.

[Petros]

The mr2 trans is a transverse engine and trany installation, there is no way to bolt on a rear tail shaft housing.

IT would be easier, with still a lot of cutting and welding involved, to install a 4age with a corolla or camry all-trac trans and drive train. Far less trouble would be to get a Corolla All-Trac and simply bolt in a built up 4age engine, this car is already set up for EFI and has a heavier drive train, better brakes, etc. Though the car would be heavier overall than the Tercel.