Difference between 4sp man. and 5sp man.?
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Difference between 4sp man. and 5sp man.?
I have a 4-spd manual in my '88 PU. What exactly is the difference between the 4-spd and the 5-spd manual?
I thought they were the same except for the "overdrive" 5th gear on the 5-spd. However, someone told me that the gear ratio spread was also different between them. I guess the 5-spd has shorter gears?
Since I have a Thorley header, 2.25" catback and a DIY CAI setup, would the 5-spd be able to "pull" more in each gear since each gear is shorter and thus be able to use the higher powerband more effectively?
With the mods I have now and the stock 4sp manual transmission, it seems that the engine likes to be in the 2800-3800+ RPM range for max acceleration. Since the gear ratios are rather LONG in the 4-spd, it takes a little while for the rpms to build up to the "sweet" spot. Would the 5-spd with the SHORTER gears provide less time to the 2800+rpm level for quicker performance?
The stock 4-spd does perform well though, but I do have to wait a few moments for the rpms to build up because each gear ratio is so long (particularly 2nd and 3rd) and cruising at freeway speeds is a little "buzzy" because I'm usually at the 2700+ rpm level.
It seems as though the header and exhaust mods greatly increased the gear ratios on my 4-spd man.
I thought they were the same except for the "overdrive" 5th gear on the 5-spd. However, someone told me that the gear ratio spread was also different between them. I guess the 5-spd has shorter gears?
Since I have a Thorley header, 2.25" catback and a DIY CAI setup, would the 5-spd be able to "pull" more in each gear since each gear is shorter and thus be able to use the higher powerband more effectively?
With the mods I have now and the stock 4sp manual transmission, it seems that the engine likes to be in the 2800-3800+ RPM range for max acceleration. Since the gear ratios are rather LONG in the 4-spd, it takes a little while for the rpms to build up to the "sweet" spot. Would the 5-spd with the SHORTER gears provide less time to the 2800+rpm level for quicker performance?
The stock 4-spd does perform well though, but I do have to wait a few moments for the rpms to build up because each gear ratio is so long (particularly 2nd and 3rd) and cruising at freeway speeds is a little "buzzy" because I'm usually at the 2700+ rpm level.
It seems as though the header and exhaust mods greatly increased the gear ratios on my 4-spd man.
#2
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i think you answered your own question. the gears in 4 speeds are typically spaced farther apart than on a 5 speed, so it takes a little longer to accelerate. nothing quite like doing 50 in 2nd, though
i'm going to swap out the old l43 4 speed in my truck to a w56 tranny when it comes time to do my dual cases
i'm going to swap out the old l43 4 speed in my truck to a w56 tranny when it comes time to do my dual cases
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Yeah, nothing like doin' 50mph in second gear. Or, 85+mph in third.
I thought maybe the W56 5sp would bring me "quicker" into the revs of the torque curve for better performance. Its seems with the mods I have, it doesn't start pullin' until I reach 3000+rpms.
However, I do like the looooong gear ratios of the 4sp though. Makes it easier to drive around town because you don't have to shift as much.
I thought maybe the W56 5sp would bring me "quicker" into the revs of the torque curve for better performance. Its seems with the mods I have, it doesn't start pullin' until I reach 3000+rpms.
However, I do like the looooong gear ratios of the 4sp though. Makes it easier to drive around town because you don't have to shift as much.
#5
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I see 45 in second all the time. Driving in the mountains with an anemic 22RE kinda sux sometimes. I'm convinced that the gap between 2nd and 3rd in a W56 is too much. While going up an 8% grade at 10K+ ft. it pulls fine in 2nd up to 45mph or so but as soon as I shift to 3rd, it bogs down again.
Last edited by toy283; 12-15-2003 at 01:39 AM.
#6
The other thing to look at is if there are different gears in the front and rear diffs.
I think the 2wd trucks use different gears for 4sp and 5sp, not sure about the 4wd trucks though.
I think the 2wd trucks use different gears for 4sp and 5sp, not sure about the 4wd trucks though.
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I cant remember where I read it, I think it was in Petersons 4X4 mag. The article said the 4 spds were "much more stout" than the 5 spds. So, that in addition to all your other points.
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That's what EXACTLY I need for my truck, a close ratio 4sp man. box with an overdrive 5th gear added at the end. LOL!
I also hate the rpm drop off between each gear spread. Very frustrating especially like when your trying accelerate briskly up a long hill or something. That's one thing I envy automatics for.
I wonder if they sell a close ratio "kit" for the 4-sp man. trans? Or, if a trans shop could modify it for me? Ah crap! There I go dreaming again. LOL!
I also hate the rpm drop off between each gear spread. Very frustrating especially like when your trying accelerate briskly up a long hill or something. That's one thing I envy automatics for.
I wonder if they sell a close ratio "kit" for the 4-sp man. trans? Or, if a trans shop could modify it for me? Ah crap! There I go dreaming again. LOL!
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