What did the W56 transmission come in?
The W56 was General Motors’ heavy‑duty manual transmission, used primarily in 1-ton and larger GM trucks and chassis‑cab vans in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This article breaks down the main platforms and configurations that carried the W56, and how to identify or source one today.
Overview of the W56 and its purpose
The W56 was designed for high torque and demanding payloads, a fit for GM’s heavy‑duty platforms rather than light‑duty pickups. It served as a rugged option in GM’s lineup where drivers needed durable, manual gear selection for tough work tasks.
Primary applications
Before listing the main GM platforms that used the W56, note that availability varied by market and model year. The following are the primary GM configurations historically associated with the W56 in the late 1980s to early 1990s.
- Chevrolet and GMC 1-ton trucks and chassis‑cab configurations (heavy‑duty C/K and related lines), used where high payloads and torque were common.
- Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full‑size vans in 1‑ton configurations, employed for commercial and fleet work.
- Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick medium‑duty trucks used in commercial fleets and vocational applications requiring robust manual gearboxes.
These examples illustrate GM’s strategy of reserving the W56 for environments where durability and manual control were essential, rather than for lighter applications.
Identification and compatibility
How to recognize a W56
Identify by stamping codes on the bellhousing side of the case or near the input/output shaft area, then cross‑check with period GM service manuals or a parts database to confirm the exact designation and compatibility with your engine/drivetrain.
Replacement and sourcing tips
Because the W56 is a legacy unit, parts can be scarce. Look for donor units from the same GM platforms or seek rebuilt units from specialty transmission shops that handle late‑1980s/early‑1990s GM manual gearboxes, ensuring proper match to your engine and drivetrain configuration.
Summary
The W56 served GM’s heavy‑duty lineup in the late 1980s and early 1990s, appearing in 1‑ton trucks, 1‑ton vans, and certain medium‑duty commercial trucks. It was selected for high‑torque, high‑payload applications rather than for light‑duty use. For restorations or maintenance, verify the W56 through case stamps and manuals, and plan for sourcing or rebuilding parts through specialized channels.
What is the difference between W55 and W56?
The main difference between the Toyota W55 and W56 manual transmissions is the gear ratio in the first and second gears. The W56 was designed as a successor to the W55, with some ratios fine-tuned for different applications, though both transmissions often share the same bellhousing and other external parts. The W55 features specific ratios, while the W56 was built to accommodate various models, including different versions for 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles.
W55 vs. W56 comparison
| Feature | W55 | W56 |
|---|---|---|
| Development | An earlier, base model for the W-series transmissions | A successor to the W55 |
| Gear Ratios | • 1st Gear: 3.566:1 • 2nd Gear: 2.056:1 | Gear ratios are different in 1st and 2nd gear compared to the W55. Ratios were fine-tuned for different applications in later models. |
| Applications | Primarily used in models like the Carina, Celica, and Corona | Used in a variety of Toyota trucks and 4x4s |
| Compatibility | Shares the same bellhousing and certain components with the W56 | Shares the same bellhousing and certain components with the W55 |
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What years are the W56 Toyota?
These include the W56-A (1985), W56-B (1986–88), W56-C (1989–91), W56-D (1992), and W56-E (1993–95) variants of 4WD Toyota Hilux Pickup and 4Runner W56 transmissions.
What car does the T56 transmission come in?
The T56 transmission came in a wide range of performance and sports cars from the 1990s to the mid-2000s, including the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Corvette, Dodge Viper, and Ford Mustang Cobra. It was also used in vehicles like the Pontiac GTO, Cadillac CTS-V, and various Holden and Aston Martin models.
- Chevrolet: Camaro Z28/SS, Corvette (C5 and C6), and SSR
- Pontiac: Firebird Formula/Trans Am, GTO
- Dodge: Viper and Ram SRT-10 truck
- Ford: Mustang Cobra, Cobra R, and certain Falcons and FPV models
- Cadillac: CTS-V
- Aston Martin: DB7 Vantage and V12 Vanquish
- Holden: Commodore SV8/SS, Monaro CV8, and other models
What car came with the W58 transmission?
The W58 and R154 transmissions are often referred to as Supra gearboxes. But the truth is, that Toyota and Lexus used these transmissions in a huge variety of models including Supra, SC300, Soarer, Crown, Cressida, Chaser, HiLux, Toyota Pick Up, Celica, MK2, IS300 and probably many more!
