billfinch01

Hi all, I have a 91 pickup 22re, 5spd. I really like this truck, but I've been having some transmission problems. The original W56 started making noise a few years ago and got to a point where it sounded horrible. I bought a G52 out of a junker for a couple of hundred bucks and threw it in. Immediately the G52 was making noise in 5th, and this week it has started in 3rd. I was thinking about rebuilding the W56 and swapping. I dont have anyone trustworthy to do the rebuild, and I've never been inside a transmission. So, do any of you recommend for or against attempting the rebuild? and if you are for it what is the best kit?. Oh, and I live in Juneau, AK off the road system so anything (ie, a used trans) has to be barged in (expensive).

4wd4fun

if you've never done it, i won't suggest doing it. that's why i bought a used one last week for mine. after tossing things around, i'm now thinking at least i'll have some extra time to get my old one rebuilt properly and can install it when the "new" used one goes bad and maybe can use the old transfer case gears for a dual-case, or sell it to help cover the rebuild cost.
since your in AK, freight is expensive and takes a long time. it may be better in the long run to get a rebuilt trans shipped to you.

Moonfish

I put bearings in a w56 once. I wouldn't call it rebuilt because it still shifted sloppy and whatnot but it quit making noise for 40k and it is sold now.

There are a buttload of parts in the transmission but they are contained. You can pop the case off and see if it looks overwhelming. Needed a press for 1. Should have done syncros when it was apart.

kirkerik

sounds like rebuilding the w56 may be your best bet! Plus you get to learn something new. "Nothing ventured nothing gained" as they say.

I have not been inside a transmission either so i can't speak from experience, but i'm considering changing the first and fifth gear. I would like a lower first and a taller fifth.
Is this possible w/ this W56 transmission anyone?

thanks

bob200587

Call Marlin.

abecedarian

since you're in AK, I find it difficult to believe anyone would build a bad transmission simply due to the extra costs of shipping in parts and such, and a warranty failure would wipe out every bit of profit they'd make, and then some.

marlincrawler.com may be able to sell and ship w56c box to you in return for your old one: trans is 899, core is 250. shipping is ??? you'd have to call but I'd expect a couple hundred at least... each way.

cman1

iTrader: (1)

x2 kirkerik

abecedarian

I'm a fairly well, mechanically inclined guy- went through a diesel mechanic school and even rebuilt a few transmissions there... and I LOATHE ripping into a transmission. I would generally advise against rebuilding a transmission yourself unless you have access to the hydraulic presses, micrometers and such that the job requires, as well as the experience... or someone with experience to monitor your work.

we already all know the tolerances required to set up differentials are fairly close... and those have fewer moving parts. so why dive into a transmission where there are far more moving parts (6 sets of gears [7 if you count neutral], bearings, syncro's, forks...)..?

well, like I said, if you have the tools and someone able to double-check your work, then maybe you should do it. but then again, if you have someone qualified to double-check your work, why not pay them to do it for you?

meh- I'm just rambling now. Wish you luck no matter which way you decide to do it. Changing the forward bearing on the input shaft isn't too difficult. But, I'd hate to hear that you did that and "everything was fine for a few thousand miles and now it's making noise again so what else could be the problem?"