Will a w56 bolt into this truck without mods? I found one in town for $250. Trying to decide whether to rebuild current tranny for $750 or swap. Any insight is appreciated.

 

Won't just bolt right in. Will bolt up to the engine fine but the W series are longer than the L series found in first-gens. Will need driveline shortened and fab up a mount for the crossmember. Also will need to modify the hole for the shifter.

I wouldn't spend $750 rebuilding yours as you can usually pick up an good L52 for half that or less

 

Thank you. Any suggestions on where to find one?

 

They are hard to find. 81-83 will bolt in using your driveshafts, and cross member. The 83 is the strongest one, something to do with front bearing.

If you do go with the w56. The flanges on your differentials will have to be drilled out, or replaced to accommodate the larger bolt hole/pattern in newer driveshafts. Not sure what year it changed but my 80 model used 12mm headed bolts(I think M8) my 84 has 14mm headed bolts (I think M10).

I also have been told if you currently have a bench seat, that longer W tranny will require bucket seats for shifters to work right.

I'd get it rebuilt if you trust the company that is going to do it.

What is wrong with it? I'm looking for an L 5speed myself...