w56 id?

[Zane]

ive searched the forums and came up empty handed on this one. i have a rebuilt w56 in my truck, but i didnt put it in. how can i tell what model it is? i know that there are a few different designs to the w56 and i was wondering how to tell what kind i have.

[HogCanyonHopper]

I have been wondering the same about mine because I want to order the short throw soon. It looks like the A and B models are top shift and the C, D and E models are forward shift   

[emsvitil]

http://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/rebuilt-complete

[jrock]

Look at the shifter's bolt pattern. Compare that to those pictures. The W series also has another rib on the top driver side that the G series does not have. Plus, the reverse light switch is on the driver in the W and on the passenger for the G.

[1985CRAWLER]

well i tried comparing using the pics from marlin and it seems the top shift w56 A-B are identical on the outside(correct me if im wrong)..but this i what i found on pirate.


http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/toyota-truck-4runner/965192-w56-question-faq.html
Originally Posted by TOYOTAPARTS  View Post
If the choice is between the W56 A or B take the B, it has better bearings.

[original post from big mike]
Actually the W56-A and W56-B both use the same identical bearings. The only difference would be for the 1989 1st gen 4Runner W56-B which features a double sealed 5th gear bearing, but it is still the same bearing as the other 85-88 W56s without the seals.

The obvious difference is the aluminum center plate, which does offer a weight saving, but we'd probably side with the cast iron W56-B version offering additional strength.

Internally, I believe the only difference between a W56-A and B is that the A uses a 10mm shoe and groove for 5th gear, whereas the B/C/D/E all use an 8mm shoe and gear.

The important changes didn't come until 10/91 when Toyota started changing bearing sizes, followed shortly thereafter with 3 piece synchros and added reverse gear brakes for the E models.

Regards,
BigMike
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[HogCanyonHopper]

well, I have a Marlin built W56HD so its an A/B/HD    Next question:which short throw shifter do I need??? A or B