Reconditioned Toyota Land Cruiser Gearbox

1KD-FTV with 6 ratios, 1HD-FTE with 5: two engine codes, two distinct gearboxes on the Land Cruiser

On the diesel Land Cruiser from 1998 to 2015, the engine code stamped on the block is the essential starting point before identifying any gearbox. The 1KD-FTV (3.0 D-4D, four-cylinder common rail) can be fitted with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed manual gearbox depending on the generation and vehicle configuration — these two units are not interchangeable. The 1HD-FTE (4.2 D-4D, straight-six) is paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual, a different family from the 3.0.

Identifying the correct gearbox for the 1KD-FTV

The 3.0 D-4D accounts for the vast majority of references in this category. A common pitfall: two Land Cruisers of the same year with the same 1KD-FTV engine code can carry gearboxes with different ratios depending on the trim level (LC3, LC4, LC5, VX…) and the destination market. The identification plate on the gearbox casing — not the engine code alone — is what confirms the exact reference, among which you will find, for example, 3303060873, 330306A560 or 330306A620. A Land Cruiser 120 and a 150 fitted with the same 1KD-FTV do not necessarily share the same gearbox.

4x4 use and available purchase options

The Land Cruiser gearbox always works in tandem with a transfer case: any work on one means the condition of the other should be checked. Two purchase options are available depending on your situation: exchange or the rebuild of your own unit, which is particularly useful when the reference is rare or when the original unit has a known service history.