Ok, so i have read MANY different threads on similar subjects but not exactly this one. I have an 82 SR5 i am building a new motor and am undecided what the best decision for transmission is on this. I have read that many like the w56. And also that people like the R150, also many like the HD L52. I currently have the L52 (I think)!!! I have been through 2 transmissions and not sure i want to put the same thing back in it. So i am well aware i will have to do crossmember and driveshafts if i change transmissions this is not a problem my main concern is getting a VERY reliable Transmission behind the new motor. PLEASE give me your $0.02.

 

since you are not adverse to moving the crossmember etc, upgrade to a W-56...much stronger than the stock L-Series transmissions.

 

Yeah I have an L52HD and it's good so far (only about 15-20,000 miles on it), but if you could find a w56 in good shape, you'd spend WAY less money...assuming you did the x-member and driveshaft mods yourself. That stuff can add up fast.

 

The driveshafts I will have to pay someone to modify however the crossmember I can do!!! So is he w56 really that much more strong and reliable than the L52 heavy duty from marlin??? I guess the real question is is it worth the extra time and money to swap to a W56??

 

I'm doing this swap right now actually. I'm ditching a 4speed however. Everything Ive heard of the w56 is that its stronger and more reliable. Not to mention you can typically find them for cheap.

 

Yeah I'm not sure if a used W56 is going to be stronger. Not even sure if a new W56 would be stronger. But a stock W56 is stronger than a stock L52. How a stock, used W56 compares to a rebuilt Marlin L52HD, I don't know...

But it's going to be a heck of a lot cheaper. I would think you can find a used W56 in decent shape for...what? $100-400? Then figure on the driveshaft work and whatever else. Probably still cheaper than an L52HD. But I don't know if it's stronger. I think between the two, if I was worried about money, I'd go for a W56, but only if it was in great condition. The L series were known for weakness. I think once you upgrade to a HD, or to almost any newer tranny than the L series, they're all "strong enough"...

 

Hello guys,

L52HD vs W56 is a good question, however the W56 is gonna be the stronger choice. The case centers of the W56 are further apart providing room for larger gears with larger teeth. Also, the W56, like the R-series, has an added bearing to 5th gear (two bearings on each side of 5th = double shear) whereas the L5x only has 1 bearing supporting 5th gear.

The only saving grace for our L52HD in this comparison is that we use special modified shift forks that _never_ wear out. Literally. The shift fork performance of our L52HD is incomparable to a W5x transmission: The W-series forks wear out often but we've never seen our heavy duty L-series forks wear out.

The nice thing about our L52HD is that is packs a big punch in a small package. It is 4-inches shorter which allows Formula Toyota competition rigs to position their engine 4 -inches closer to the rear axle. While it is certainly much stronger than a regular L52, sadly it falls short of a W56.

Regards,
BigMike

 

What month was your truck manufactured? It's more likely you have a L50....

I think the difference here would be in durability rather than strength. The strength of a trans lies primary in the size of each gear, so high mileage or brand new, a used W56 should in most cases still be stronger than a brand new L52HD with some exceptions.

However, a 300,000 mile W56 is going to operate and function like a loose and bad shifting pile of crap compared to a new L52HD.

Regards,
BigMike

 

BigMike, thanks for chiming in with your comments. It's always great to have the folks who work on these and design parts for them give us the straight scoop.

 

Agreed, thanks for the input.