Topic: Checking a Junk Yard Tranny

[Steve777]

I'll be checking out some W56B trannies in the next few days. Thanks to the folks here I should know how to identify them well enough. But I thought I'd ask if there was anything else I should check with the tranny sitting in front of me?

Of course I'll check that it shifts into all gears and that the shafts turn freely in all gears. How much play/wobble in the shafts when they are in the open?  But beyond that anything else I should check out?

TIA

[84pickup]

any kind of stress signs in the teeth or chipped teeth of course. Definetly check for wobble. I had a  G52 in my 84 that i had accidently let it run practically dry (there were no drips anywhere and i have no clue it where it all went) but 174 miles from home i ended up shearing 4 teeth off my input shaft and a few more off the counter shaft below it because my bearings were shot.

[Steve777 [OP]]

Thanks. Although I don't think I'm going to be able to open these trannies up before I buy 'em. I'm assuming the chipped teeth were in the gears inside.

Do you recall anything about the feel of that shaft with the shot bearing and broken teeth before you broke into the tranny?

[79coyotefrg]

the input shaft should have very little play in it,  if it wobbles enough to hit the sleeve the throw out bearing rides on, walk away.

[84pickup]

yeah the chipped teeth would be in the case. I don't actually remember what it felt like besides just loose in general. I was in a big hurry to get it apart and back together because it broke down on my way to college and i wanted to get back on the road as soon as possible.

i'm not sure why i thought you already had bought them lol. sorry.

[RODRIGJ1]

Check the gear oil. I just swaped a W56B into my 1980 20R.  If you got any questions about the swap I could answer some.