1981 came with a L52?
#1
1981 came with a L52?
So, as the title states I have question regarding what trans my 81 originally came with. Everything I have read states that the only year the L52 was offered was 83 and the options in 81 were the L45 and L50. But the VIN plate on the firewall states the trans code as L52. The truck is pretty much all original and unmodified except for the transmission as far as I can tell. The VIN number on the plate matches the frame, dash, etc. The truck currently has a L43 for some reason, probably because it was the cheapest option to replace whenever the original went however long ago that was. I have only come across one other post where the guy says his 1981 also has the L52 trans code.I would post pics but my phones camera isnt working. Anybody able to shed any light on this?
#3
Registered User
That year had a 4 speed that was just a L45, minus the 5th gear inside the trans . The L52 was the option. 1982 I believe were all L52. 1983 was a L52 HD with a larger bearing in the front of the case for the input. All L52's can be upgraded to L52 HD by sending the new HD bearing and the front case half out to have the case machined.
Ok, did some quick marlin research, L50 is the l series, minus 5th gear. Looks identical to the L50 and L52. L50 is the 5 speed option added to the truck when new. L52 Is just the HD version of the L50
Ok, did some quick marlin research, L50 is the l series, minus 5th gear. Looks identical to the L50 and L52. L50 is the 5 speed option added to the truck when new. L52 Is just the HD version of the L50
Last edited by SENOR NOODLES; 05-31-2019 at 01:59 PM.
#4
Registered User
My '81 also has L52 in the trans code and that's what it's running. I really don't understand why marlin lists the years and transmissions that they do because many of them clearly were built this way from the factory.
#5
the only way i know how to ID an L-52 came from some info posted by BigMike from Marlin Crawler
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114...trivia-231633/
At one point I had 3 L50-52's in my garage, I used that method to ID the L-50 that came in my 81 Trekker.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114...trivia-231633/
Since I am at work right now, I asked Marlin if there are any other ways than what I mentioned, and he said to check if the nose cone has an oil seep hole right on the release bearing section of the nose cone. If so then it's a L52. It is a small 1/8" or 1/4" hole (I don't know the actual size) and it's positioned on the machined release bearing section of the nose cone straight down at 6 o'clock. Marlin said he'll simply reach into the bellhousing and grab the nose cone, and immediately he'll know if it's a L50 or L52 if he feels that hole or not.
That is much better than removing the nose cone, so definitely cool, thanks Marlin!
BigMike
That is much better than removing the nose cone, so definitely cool, thanks Marlin!
BigMike
#6
Interesting that yours also came with a L52, it is strange that everywhere lists 83 as the only year for that option but it seems that some earlier models obviously came with it also. Anyone else have a pre-83 truck that has a L52 from factory?
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#9
My (22R/SR5/RWD) '81 transmission code: W50.
Try this link for more info:
https://core-shifters.com/pages/toyo...identification
Try this link for more info:
https://core-shifters.com/pages/toyo...identification
Last edited by bpolk; 07-18-2019 at 09:59 AM. Reason: images did not upload properly; removed images
#10
Registered User
My (22R/SR5/RWD) '81 transmission code: W50.
Try this link for more info:
https://core-shifters.com/pages/toyo...identification
Try this link for more info:
https://core-shifters.com/pages/toyo...identification
#11
I have a 81 Toyota pickup 4x4 and the plate In the engine bay says it supposed to have a L52, with a 22r. Granted it hasn't had a L52 in it for a long time but I believe it should bolt up possibly.
#12
Registered User
Ah I remember all these fun topics. I almost miss it...but I do like that my 98 just works, and doesn't need a bunch of research and replacements! Yet, anyway...
Yeah Bo, it's pretty well known that any L-series transmission will bolt up to any R-series engine.
I see something in a previous post about the L52-HD. My memory's fading, but I don't think such a thing exists from Toyota. Isn't the HD Marlins upgrade to the L52? Because they all had undersized 5th gear bearings? That's what I remember. But then I'm also still surprised anything pre-83 came with an L52!
Yeah Bo, it's pretty well known that any L-series transmission will bolt up to any R-series engine.
I see something in a previous post about the L52-HD. My memory's fading, but I don't think such a thing exists from Toyota. Isn't the HD Marlins upgrade to the L52? Because they all had undersized 5th gear bearings? That's what I remember. But then I'm also still surprised anything pre-83 came with an L52!
#13
Same situation for me...
1981 (manufacture date November 1980) with L52 on engine compartment VIN plate that matches dash VIN. Transmission was replaced with a 4-speed at some point before I got her in 1997.
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