Topic: Advice wanted for impending 5-speed swap

[toocee]

Hey there--I'm ready to pull my tured 4-speed from my '80 short bed and I'd like to drop a 5-speed in its place. I've read that G52s and W56s are the better trannys, and the mods aren't too severe (this will be my first major mod job).
What I'd like to know is:

a) Would a newer ('84+) tranny be the best option, or

b) Is it simplest to drop in an L50 or L52?

I don't do any heavy crawling, mainly forays through gravel diggins on weekends. Any tips, thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[vikingsven]

Go with a G52 or w56. much better trannies and stronger than an L. W56 if possible. My .02

I think the lengths differ but other than that it's a direct swap. You'll most likely have to relocate your shifter holes in the floor, and possibly lengthen/shorten your front and rear drive shafts.
Can anyone confirm this?

[yotacrawler85]

      yes that is correct, i know that the w56 is longer but will bolt right up( definately go with the w56 its stroger than the g52) the only mods should be the driveshafts and relocating the holemaybe 2-3 inches

[Marlin]

The slave cylinder, fork, release bearing and collar, must also be changed. The new trans is 4.5" longer so cross member and shafts must also be adjusted.

Marlin