Topic: tranny swap L45 to W56

[4x4yota]

got a W56 transmission out of an 86 EFI 4WD. is the swap worth it? I have an 81 4x4 short bed with a factory L45, it pops out of 3rd and sometimes 1st is also hard to shift. I did a G52 swap a few months back and 2wks later 4th gear didnt exist I had to go from 3rd to 5th. so is the W56 any better and worth trying in my truck. the transmission had 357k when I pulled it but the tranny still feels nice and tight and shifts alot smoother the tcase seemed to leak everywhere but I only need the tranny (I have duals) should I go for it or keep my L45 and buy a L52 when I can? the W56 was free, truck had a bad motor I have no problem with modifying the cross member (been there done that) and then just need to modify the drive shafts, done it before just want a lil more info on a W56 (i believe its a W56b according to the marlin chart)

[79coyotefrg]

the w56 is a stronger transmission that the G52 but thats only assuming its in good shape because if its a junk transmission then a L43 would be better

w56 and a G52 are the same length

[4x4yota [OP]]

what s good way to check the shape of the tranny? with out tearing it apart

and I already have my crossmember ready to fit the longer tranny and still keep duals but using the most rear stock tcase mount holes and a u-bolt over the frame for the rear of the crossmember