"Chained" to the VF1A

[IowaOffRoad]

I'm planning on swapping the drivetrain in my '83 to a Magnum 3.9L, R151, VF1A from a 20R, G56, RF1A. I'm curious as to the things I need to look out for, the availability of triple drilled flanges and which ones to get, why I would be so dumb as to ditch the old reliable gear drive, whatever you think I should know. I like the lower low range and will end up with a slightly better crawl ratio than my current setup when done (52:1 vs 47:1). I know in Toyota land this is weak, but I think with the increase in power it will be ideal for the areas I wheel in now and in the near future.

 

[Aisin]

Only problem with that case is chain stretch. A new chain from Toyota is $600. Not sure of an aftermarket source.

 

[TRINDU]

What R151 came with a chain case? Overseas?

Or do you have a 150?

 

[IowaOffRoad]

A 150. 2 came with a pile of parts I got from a guy who was getting out of fixint 3rd gen pickups up for resale. Gave $300 for 2 transmissions with t-cases, a bunch of interior and electrical parts, sensors, wiring harnesses, manifolds, ecm's. Must've had 151 envy when I typed it

 

[Iwannabemro]

I’m not sure what your question is? I see no problem with it, as long as you don’t plan to upgrade to stacked cases and one of your chain cases is in good shape.

 

[IowaOffRoad]

I’m not sure what your question is? I see no problem with it, as long as you don’t plan to upgrade to stacked cases and one of your chain cases is in good shape.

I have no experience with the VF1A, other than in a stock daily with 276K on it. I'm just wondering how everyone thinks it will hold up in a 3500# rig with roughly 190hp, 5 speed, 5.29 gears. What, if anything can be upgraded. What I should look out for in the way of potential failures. It's a Toyota product designed 40 years ago (probably) so I assume that it will take much more than stock, but I don't know. Most of the hard wheeling in Toyland seems to be gear drive doublers with 22RE's (I keed, I keed) so I haven't seen or heard of anyone really whooping on one.

 

[Iwannabemro]

They where put behind the 3.slow so if in good condition I don’t think 50 or so more horsepower is going to hurt one. People swap 3.4 into old 3.0 trucks all the time with similar power levels.