1976 Hilux 12R to 18R conversion

[Matt.L]

Hey all,

I've got a 1976, single cab, RWD Hilux that i'm getting around in at the moment. I'm finding the 12R a little soft so I've been looking into doing a 18R conversion. I've heard that the 12R and 18R will both link up to the same gearbox as I want to keep the 4 speed column shift (It's just a cool touch). I've also heard that fabricating new engine mounts shouldn't be a huge job.

I'm also looking into replacing the drum brakes on the front with some disk brakes.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these conversions? Will it be as easy as i'm expecting or are there some things i'm missing? Any thoughts, suggestions or advise would be greatly appreciated.

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[sbfoot]

12r engines are a little different to a 18r as they have half the bellhousing as part of the block.but if you have a w40 style box you can just change the bellhousing to suit.heres what you need for a 18r hilux on ebay now.http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TOYOTA-19...item2eca20b29f.
put up a pic of your gearbox for reference.
Scott

[Matt.L]

Hey Scott,

That's a bit of a bummer, I was under the impression that it would be a straight swap over. Do you think the gearbox for the 18R would link up to the current column shift setup from the 12R if I bought the gearbox that you linked me to?

I can't really put up a good picture because the gearbox and engine is still all in the ute. Thanks for your advice tho.

[sbfoot]

Sorry mate I can't be sure if your g/box will be the same for the column,as I mainly know 12r in coronas.check your vin plate to see if it has and trans id,if it is w40 you are in luck and only need to change bellhousing.

[Matt.L]

Thanks for the help.

[playwme]

From what I've read the 40 series Hiace and Hilux from early 80's have a disc setup that utilises the same ball joints. Ive been looking into similar stuff for my RH11 Hiace ute (got a couple of Hilux's like yours floating around too but they're pretty far gone.). I've also got a 93 Hiace parts van that was hoping to use a few bits from but I haven't had a chance to have a good look at the frond end setup compared to the RH11.

Be sure to post up if you find out anything else usefull about this swap.

[scottreichstein]

ive done the brake conversion on my lux
try find a sr5 or duel cab they had discs on the front
I just sold my spare set I had I paid about $600 for my parts to do the conversion
as said above the 12r does have the bell housing as part of the block but if its a w series box in it the gearbox crossmember should be the same just bolt up the motor to a box and weld in the engine mounts
should be a pretty straight forward conversion
ive got a 12r box I recently pulled out and replaced can get a pic for u tomorrow to compare to the 18r one

[bmxer54]

if you want an 18rg i know of a guy local to canberra whos has a couple he is happy to see find a new home, send me a pm if you are interested at all

[Pagie84a]

if you want an 18rg i know of a guy local to canberra whos has a couple he is happy to see find a new home, send me a pm if you are interested at all

Do this skip the single cam theyre shite