Topic: L45 vs. L50 vs. L52

[cgbemis]

What's the difference between the L45, L50 and L52 transmissions? I know the L45 was a four speed, but is there a difference between the 50 and 52? Bearings? WHat makes one more desireable than another?

Thanks.

[RN37DD]

the l52 has a bigger input bearing. I was told that the l52 was from the 1983 trucks also. Funny because my 1981 toyota FSM has the l52 in it. weak point in both l50&l52 seems to be the overdrive. I'm running a l52 in my 79, it should be rebuilt, but it keeps on going 120+ miles every week, with lockers and bigger tires adding extra stress to it.

[79coyotefrg]

I had a L43 when i first got my truck, and ran it for about 10 years, it had no overdrive, and the 1st gear in it was higher than the L45,50 or 52.

the L45 and L50 are identical as far as bearings go but obviously one has an overdrive.   honestly, all three of the later l series have a beefy housing and would work fine in most daily drivers and trail rigs
personally  i rarely use my 5th gear in my L52HD and i'm running 35's and 529's about the only time i use 5th is on the interstate

[cgbemis [OP]]

So,

L45=4 spd. transmission
L50=5 spd. transmission
L52=5 spd. transmission w/larger input bearing

That sound about right?

[79coyotefrg]

[hilux-1983]

I REALLY like using my 5th gear on the interstate compliments of Marlins L52HD he built for me. I drive mine close to 100 miles daily.

[mudmaster]

Can a L52HD handle the power of a Vortec 4.3?

[cgbemis [OP]]

It can't be bolted up due to an integrated bell housing. You'll have to go with a later model tranny (post 83). As for the fifth gear, I'm running 31's on my 82 with 4.11 gears, and no fifth gear. By the time I get up to 65mph, it feels like I'm higher in the RPMs than I should be, and I don't have another gear to get into. I'm buying a rebuilt L50 five speed locally which will kill two birds with one stone.

[jvministries]

you really need to start a thread of your own about that question for the 4.3
and as far as the l series transmissions go they are all integrated bellhousing
the later model being the strongest of the three

[79coyotefrg]

It can't be bolted up due to an integrated bell housing. You'll have to go with a later model tranny (post 83). As for the fifth gear, I'm running 31's on my 82 with 4.11 gears, and no fifth gear. By the time I get up to 65mph, it feels like I'm higher in the RPMs than I should be, and I don't have another gear to get into. I'm buying a rebuilt L50 five speed locally which will kill two birds with one stone.

do you have a tach?? i'm guessing not,  get a aftermarket tachometer,  not much $ and tells you what your engine is doing, a stock 22R is supposed to shift at 3600 rpm,  which is where i used to drive on the interstate where ever i went when i had a 4 speed.

i never shift to 5th unless i'm over 65 mph

[79coyotefrg]

you really need to start a thread of your own about that question for the 4.3
and as far as the l series transmissions go they are all integrated bellhousing
the later model being the strongest of the three

[RN37DD]

The tires i have are about 31. tall 265x70x16 4.56 gears 4th 3400rpm@65mph and 5th 2900rpm@65mph, speedo is right on.