Topic: How to identify W-56 tranny?

[SSS1979]

How can I tell if I own a W-56 transmission? I have two of these trannies they both have the integrated non removable cast iron bellhousings and are top load. Does anyone have some pics of this model? thanks

[BigMike]

You've got some L-series Cast Iron transmissions.

If it has some linkage on the side, its a 4spd L43, otherwise its either a L45 4spd or a L50/L52 5spd. They are from 79-83...

Now a W56 is 4 inches longer and the only cast iron piece is its center section, with both opposed housings being aluminum. The W56 came in two different versions, (1) from 1985-88 EFI 4cyl and the (2) other from 1989-95 EFI 4cyl. The (1) early one used a top shifting t/case with just one lever on the top, and the (2) later one used a forward shifting t/case with two levers on top, transmission and t/case levers.

Both W56's bellhousings are detachable, unlike your cast iron trannys.

The shifters are different as well. Your L-series transmissions use a push-and-turn style lock (like a turn single lamp) while the W56's use a 4 bolt base plate.

Regards,
BigMike  

[SSS1979 [OP]]

Thanks for the info, the only reason I thought I had the W-56 trannies is on chris geiger's 83' trail toy he has a picture of  his trannie, stating that he's using the W-56?  It looks the same as mine, cast iron bell housing.  He must have changed it to a W-56 later in the project? So i'm the proud owner of two L-52 5-speeds. 8)

[SSS1979 [OP]]

Is the L-50 a side shifter?

[BigMike]

Yup, the tranny that Chris Geiger uses is a W56 rebuilt by Marlin. He also is has a fuel injected engine in that 83' done by Tim at D.O.R. Engines.

Cya,
BigMike

[BigMike]

Is the L-50 a side shifter?

Nope, it is a top shifter (single; transmission handle only) with a push-n-turn shifter base.

The only way to tell if its a L50 or a L52 is to remove the front nose cone and compare the main input bearing (the top one) with your other trannys. The L52 uses a 3mm wider bearing. If it's a L52, then the nose cone will have different depth in it accommodating for the wider bearing. :monkey:

Regards,
BigMike

[trt2]

you can also use the trucks VIN# to determine a couple of things such as stock ring and pinion and stock tranny.  I use the word stock because if someone changed them, then forget it.

but basically, looking at your vin# ( I believe its the vin #), the last 3 characters will actually state the tranny type.  for instance:  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _W56

The 7th digit from the right will indicate ring size (F=7.5, G = 8 and the 6, 5 and 4 character sequence will note R&P (some sort of code).

If I have stated anything incorrectly, someone correct me but I am pretty sure about most of this.

take care...