L52 tranny in a 81
Jul 16, 2014 | 04:48 AM
#1
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L52 tranny in a 81
Hey guys,
Saw a thread about a guy saying he had a L52 stamp on his 81 VIN. The thread just died so I was wondering if it is possible as I have the same thing. I have seen that the L52 was not available until 83 several different places so I am confused.
Thanks!!
Saw a thread about a guy saying he had a L52 stamp on his 81 VIN. The thread just died so I was wondering if it is possible as I have the same thing. I have seen that the L52 was not available until 83 several different places so I am confused.
Thanks!!
Jul 16, 2014 | 05:12 AM
#2
The L52 was available in 81, mine has one. It does show up on the data plate if it came from the factory with one but its not part of the vin #, its on the bottom line of the data plate, along with color code and trim code. I have also seen it reported on other sites as the L52 started in 83 which is not correct, they were available starting 1981.
That is good news. Thanks!!
Jul 18, 2014 | 04:19 AM
#4
there is some info floating around out there about an L-50 5 speed. but never found any hard evidence.
based on the info below from BigMike of Marlin Crawler the 4 5 speed L series transmissions I have had have all been L-52's.
based on the info below from BigMike of Marlin Crawler the 4 5 speed L series transmissions I have had have all been L-52's.
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
Jul 18, 2014 | 06:21 AM
#5
Earlier they had a much smaller diameter bearing, this was the unit originally in my truck. The later L52 had a larger bearing. When my original(maybe) transmission grenaded, Larry Kitahara had one made for me using one of his later-model housings. He showed me the older vs. newer cluster gear and bearing and the difference is phenominal, the later bearing is about 3 times the size of the earlier.
Either that, or the L50 was the 2wd version of the 5-speed.
Jul 18, 2014 | 06:26 AM
#6
By the way, the L52 is a great transmission. Well cared-for the bearing issue isn't actually a problem.
If you want to spend the money to upgrade it, it's money well spent. It's compact, has a tough cast-iron housing, and tough (but noisy) straight-cut gears. Having the housing cleared for G-series bearings gives you a stout little tranny perfect for a SWB pickup.
The only substantial complaints are that the first gear is marginally shorter than some of the other transmissions, and the overdrive is marginally taller.
If you want to spend the money to upgrade it, it's money well spent. It's compact, has a tough cast-iron housing, and tough (but noisy) straight-cut gears. Having the housing cleared for G-series bearings gives you a stout little tranny perfect for a SWB pickup.
The only substantial complaints are that the first gear is marginally shorter than some of the other transmissions, and the overdrive is marginally taller.
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