I'm wondering if anyone rebuilt their G52 transmissions at all? Or did they just get a W56 transmission? I'm asking as my transmission is making some funny noises in 3rd and 5th gear and I heard that is the weakest links for the G52 trans.

Is there anything special that is needed to swap out a G52 transmission to a W56? Do the transfer cases line up and bolt on as well?

 

I went through 2 g52's in two years before I installed a w56. The w56's are stronger and can take more abuse. And I havent had any issues since installing mine.

The w56 is a direct swap for a g52 as far as bolting up. It is also the same length so no driveshaft mods needed.
The g52's are forward shift, meaning the transfer case shifts forward through the transmission. The w56's can be forward shift or top shift.
This is the main issue you may run into doing a swap. If you cant find a forward shift w56 and can only find the top shift you will need to replace the transfer case with a top shift transfer case or convert the one you have.. Going this route though, you will likely need to lengthen the shifter hole in the floor board and get a shifer bezel from a top shift truck. Or make your own....

The only other issue is the reverse light switch is on the opposite side so will need to lenghten the wires if you want reverse lights.