6G Celicas Forums

Good point about the lsd bolts, wonder if my S54-06A is compatible with the TRD unit I have

Thanks Dan . Did you ever manage to find time to install that subframe?




Thanks batman. And yes, big wrench indeed haha. I've had that thing for years and never thought I'd find a use for it, but it turns out its the perfect tool for removing the gigantic shift-selector nut. Sure beats channel lock pliers!



Tough to say, but if you wind up in a similar situation I highly recommend these washers: (jump to 3:40)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDlmbMV9ICU

I've used these with great success on my exhaust system when nothing else could do the job

This post has been edited by enderswift: Jul 20, 2014 - 7:43 PM

looking at those bolts, can you not put some washers to level the locks

...wow, that's actually a really good idea. I'm gonna have to see if the set bolts are long enough to still have a comfortable amount of thread in the ring gear with washers in place. It would have to be a pretty thick washer to get things flush (thicker than the nord washers, plus the added height of the locks)

This post has been edited by enderswift: Jul 20, 2014 - 8:26 PM

I haven't installed it yet. I've been too busy drooling over your progress thread.

I'm sure the new house played a small part too haha

Update!

It's finished. Hope I didn't make any mistakes!


All bearings and races were pressed into the trans case and the differential was installed.


Next the cases were bolted together and torqued to spec, at which point I was able to go through the drawn-out process of checking how much torque it took to break static friction on the diff bearings. I had to swap shims 5 times before I landed within spec. But now I'm assured long bearing life and quiet operation




Following shim selection was the installation of the input shaft, output shaft, and selecting forks. This is a tricky affair because you have to hold the entire assembly together with your hands and maneuver it into place as one piece. Adding squats to your workout will definitely help prepare your lower back for this haha.


Things started to move along quickly once the shafts were in place. The only snag was trying to reinstall the snap rings on the rear ball bearings.


Of course the 5th gear synchro assembly flew apart the first time I tried to install it. I spent half an hour putting it back together before I could make a second attempt. Thankfully I managed without too much trouble the second time.


And here it is, my very own S54-06D. All the importers that wouldn't sell one to me can shove it



It sure is nice to have an LSD looking back from the axle bores now

This post has been edited by enderswift: Jul 28, 2014 - 1:28 PM

So fresh, so clean.

Does that repair manual cover how to rebuild the s54?

Yup. The factory chassis manuals cover everything related to trans rebuilds. All that's missing is a part number list. But that's what toyodiy is for

This post has been edited by enderswift: Jul 28, 2014 - 10:30 AM

I need to get my hands on one of these books then cause I have to replace the 3rd gear syncho in my transmission this winter.

In your honest opinion, how hard was it to rebuild the transmission with the help of the book?

It's easy, the hardest part was keeping things clean and sourcing bearings. You just need the right tools on hand. If you have everything I posted photos of you'll be fine.

Take that with a grain of salt though. Until the trans has proven itself reliable I can't really comment on whether it was easy...But I definitely feel a project like this is within the skill range of someone who has a some engine work under their belt.

This post has been edited by enderswift: Jul 28, 2014 - 1:26 PM

Luke that looks incredible. Waaay too many moving pieces in there for me to play with, big props !

You should have put in a Camry/Solara 5th and driven gear instead of the Celica one...

Thanks Dustin, making sure I kept track of everything was definitely one of the bigger challenges. I don't know what I would do without zip lock sandwich bags and white paint pens haha

And I agree with you that leaving the celica gear was a missed opportunity. Words cannot describe how close I got to throwing down the cash and just doing it right then and there. What stopped me was actually the post in your thread showing just how easy it is. My swap budget is starting to get tight so I figured it wouldn't be an issue to do a little bit down the road. I do a lot of highway driving so anything that keeps wear off my 3S is a huge plus in my book.

If you have an e153 or e154f transmission, Manny (pressure2) said that the 5th gear is exactly the same and will swap right in.

Hmmm, I do have my e154f collecting dust...

But I better save it. I do have plans to attempt an awd conversion in the future. Need to take a welding course and buy a hideously expensive welder first though

Hey 6gc,

I'm currently getting everything ready in order to be able to do the conversion over the course of a weekend. That means mocking parts up, comparing things to the red car, leak checking, collecting all necessary fluids, renting the proper tools, securing a spot at the shop, thinking through the logistics, etc.

I always go through this process before swapping and its always ensured I have a smooth experience. In this case I caught the fact that the rear engine mount bracket on the automatic is not compatible with the manual; something I had overlooked. Likewise I realized I needed to confirm that the bellhousing stiffening plate is indeed compatible between the two. ToyoDIY makes it seem as though the two are different, even though I cant imagine why Toyota would have a need to do so. So now I have to make a junkyard run and hope there's a manual celica there.

anyway, here are some photos of the s54 being checked for leaks. I'd rather find out now than after it's installed:





Things were bone dry after a few hours

Something else I caught after doing this was the fact that the new passenger axle does not have the bracket pressed onto the intermediate bearing. This would have been a show stopper if I didn't notice it in advance. I'm gonna have to see if I can source one of those brackets at the junkyard as well.

One thing I got to try with this mockup was the differential action. You can see the diff transfer power between the two axles if you spin one of them quickly. It's really cool watching it happen. I hope the man who invented the helical diff lived a wealthy life; he deserves it.

Anyway, the conversion should be happening soon!

This post has been edited by enderswift: Jul 29, 2014 - 11:18 PM

so many shiny parts, lol. i would have never tought to mock up the parts and test for leaks... lol.

A little revival, but holy hell is that extreme simple green stuff expensive! It's $30 a gallon at Grainger! Home Depot is a little cheaper since you get 4 for $75, but still!