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Current revision

	Gearbox Swaps
	Types: 56 \| 60 \| 63 \| 71 \| 90 \| R30
	Transmission Swaps
	Identification
	5-Speeds \| F5C56A \| Stumpy
	6-speed
	Toyota 5-speed
	Manual/Auto conversion
	more: Transmission Modifications

The 56-series is the stock Datsun 1200 transmission. It was fitted to all RWD B-series Datsuns with A12 and A13 engines. Standard models used 3-speed 56s, while most models used 4-speed versions. The Datsun 1200 GX-5 used a 5-speed version. It was designed to handle the torque of an A12 or A13, but for A14 and A15 engines a 60-Series Transmission is recommended. All of the 3 speed, 4 speed & 5 speed 56 & 56A RWD gearboxes were the same overall length. There were also FWD versions of the 56 gearbox. These are manufactured by Aichi Machine.

Also see: 5-Speeds for an all A-series 5-speeds

Gearbox Numbering

Nissan coding for gearbox models. Example of F4W56L:

F: Floor shift
R: remote shift (column shift)
S: overdrive
4: forward speeds (3, 4 and 5 were available)
W: Warner type synchros
C: competition type synchros
56: distance in mm between mainshaft and countershaft (with larger distance implying a larger, stronger transmission). Nissan models included 60-Series Transmission and 63-Series Transmission and the 71- used in the bigger Nissans.
L: Long extension housing

A, B, or C is the evolutionary series for the box as they get older. Some boxes have an L suffix for long extension housing versions. Direct drive boxes have a "direct drive" suffix after the box numbers.

The Nissan chassis code (not transmission code) has F = Five-Speed, and T = 4-speed , e.g. B110GFK was GX Five-Speed. And B110GTK was GX Four-speed. The T holds true for export models as well. The full body codes aren't on the underhood plate, but you'll see some of the extended codes on the cover of the owners manual.

The close ratio 'option' boxes were normally available only as a separate purchase from the Datsun Competition department [through various outlets], so it did not come as a 'factory' option in B110 & B210 models, however I believe that some dealers in Japan were either fitting 'option 1' five speeds, or buying the conversion parts & upgrading the F5W56A gearboxes in new GX5's during pre-delivery for 'special' customers.

Discussion: ^POST GEARBOX NUMBERING AND BASIC INFO.

56-series is marginal with an A14 (the 56A works OK), but definitely is not strong enough for A14 turbo:
Album 7039

3-Speed

Standard trim (STD) Datsun 1200 models came standard with an R3W56 transmission. This was a remote-shift box with a steering-column mounted shifter.

Main: Three Speed Transmission

4-Speed

The stock sport transmission is fine for city driving. It has wide-spaced gears to allow a steep 1st for easy takeways.

Mainshaft PNs for F4W56 transmissions:
* 32241-H1010 SHAFT-MAIN B110 F4W56L up to 03/73
* 32241-G1101 SHAFT-MAIN B110 F4W56A from 04/73
* 32241-G1101 SHAFT-MAIN B210 F4W56A
* 32241-G1101 SHAFT-MAIN B310 F4W56A

Description	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Rev
Stock F4W56L	3.757	2.169	1.404	1.000	3.640
Option #1 (M/C)	2.862	1.908	1.350	1.000	3.640
Option #2 (U/C)	2.168	1.592	1.231	1.000	3.640

Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Catalog

Number of teeth on gears:
* Counter gear shaft: 29T, 25T, 19T, 13T 
  * 29T (input), 25T (3rd), 19T (2nd), 13T (1st) 
    * +  13T (rev)
* Mainshaft: 19T, 23T, 27T, 31T
  * 19T (input), 23T (3rd), 27T (2nd), 32T (1st), 31T (rev)
  * Reverse idler: 17T

Ratio Computation:
* Input gears: 29/19 = 1.526
* Rev: 29/19 * 17/13 * 31/17 (idler) = 3.640
* 1st: 29/19 * 32/13 = 3.757
* 2nd: 29/19 * 27/19 = 2.169
* 3rd: 29/19 * 23/25 = 1.404
* 4th: 1:1 (direct drive, input shaft linked to output shaft, 
  all output gear pair spin free)

Option 1 Middle-Close Ratio

The option #1 (middle-close) gear set alleviates the 2nd-into-3rd RPM drop that exists with the stock 4-speed. It can only be installed into 1200 transmissions (F4W56L) built up to 3/73.

  PART NO.    DESCRIPTION 
* 32210-27720 OPT #1 CLUSTER GEAR 16T/20T/26T/29T
* 32230-27720 OPT #1 1ST GEAR 30T
* 32250-27720 OPT #1 2ND GEAR 25T
* 32260-27720 OPT #1 3RD GEAR 23T

Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Catalog

Option 2 Ultra-Close Ratio

The option #2 (ultra-close) gear set has excellent ratios for racing. The gearset can only be installed into 1200 transmissions (F4W56L) built up to 3/73.

* 32210-H1020 OPT #2 CLUSTER GEAR 19T/23T/26T/29T
* 32230-H1020 OPT #2 1ST GEAR 27T
* 32250-H1020 OPT #1 2ND GEAR 24T
* 32260-H1020 OPT #1 3RD GEAR 21T

Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Catalog

4-Speed Gear Ratios (GEAR-COUNTER)

Model	Note	Gearset	Counter PN	teeth
F4W56L	to 0373	stock	32210-24900	29T,25T,19T,13T
F4W56L	to 0373	middle-close	32210-27720	29T,26T,20T,16T
F4W56L	to 0373	ultra-close	32210-H1020	29T,26T,23T,19T
F4W56A	0473-0874	stock	32210-G1100	29T,25T,19T,13T

F4W56L: All interchange with appropriate matching gears for mainshaft

Gears	early stock	late stock	teeth	m/c	teeth	u/c	teeth
1st	32230-24900	32230-G1100	32T	32230-27720	30T	32230-H1020	27T
2nd	32250-24900	32250-G1100	27T	32250-27720	25T	32250-H1020	24T
3rd	32260-24900	32260-G1100	23T	32260-27720	23T	32260-H1020	21T

F4W56A: USA B110, starting April 1973. Used through 1982 (listed for A12-powered B210 & B310)

Assembly

Post 493574 Post 493574

Inspection

B10 4-speed

1966-1970 Datsun 1000

Also See: datsun100.com transmission☁

RHD uses a bellcrank release lever with mechanical linkage, early 56-series
Album 25020 Album 25021

LHD uses a bellcrank release lever, operated by a hydraulic clutch Slave Cylinder
Album 29529 Album 29530 Album 29531 Album 29532
stamped 'Z U 5 15090'?
Album 29533

Revisions

Identification

Look for "56" in large letters on the right side of the case

Missing - 56L (light duty)
56A early (medium duty)
Album 21400
56A late ute (heavy duty)
Album 1680

Also look for the distinctive "ribbing" around the circumference of the front case. Other Nissan transmission are more smooth.

"56" location

This is in various places on the right side of the case. It may be a production variation. All the 56L three speed & four speed gearboxes shared the same gearbox case with integral bellhousing. All the four speed & five speed 56A gearboxes shared the same gearbox case with integral bellhousing. The three speed appears to have been discontinued with the introduction of the 56A series.

Early 56A

The 56A versions are just a model revision, with slight changes. It debuted with the Datsun 1200 Truck (B120) (FEB 1971) with the revised stronger transmission (per the parts catalog). It was then fitted to B210s at introduction (1973) and at the same time export B110s (from April of 1973) were supplied with the 56A.

NOTE: There was an 'L' revision of the 4-speed, but never any 'L' 5-speeds.

4-speeds
* 1966: 56-series intro
* Jan 1970: B110 uses 56L transmission
* Feb 1971: B120 Truck uses 56A revisions
* Apr 1973: B210 production begins in Japan
* Apr 1973: 56A supplied for export B110
* Mar 1975?: Stronger 56A with increase webbing

B210
* new unit Engine Plate instead of Dust Cover
* new plate requires different length Release Bearing

Note that the 4-speed transmission was redesigned for the 56A revision. Gearsets are not interchangable between early and late transmissions.

Modifications have been made on the following points to strengthen the gears and bearings, and to improve lubrication performance as well as noise and vibration proof at high-speed driving.

Strengthened gears and bearings: Although there is no change in the gear ratio, each gear has an increased width by 0.039 to 0.079 (1 to 2 mm) and the countershaft, front bearing and main shaft bearing are strengthened.
Improved lubrication performance: To ensure proper lubrication in the rear extension bushing, an oil dam is installed in the center of the extension.

Reference: Service Bulletin Vol. 188 "Introduction of New Model Datsun B210 Series" page 69, July 1973, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Tokyo Japan Telex: NISMO.

Late Model 56A

Strong Ribbing
56A and Nissan symbols in separate boxes

Stronger webs on the ribbing
Album 19055 Album 19056

1990s

1990-1994 Sunny Truck has a unique case Extension housing w/dual mount flanges
Album 23176 Album 23177 Album 23178

5-Speed

See: 5-speeds for an overview of 5-speeds in general

For the stock B110 5-speed (GX5 gearbox), see: 5C56

Tail Housing

Late (heavy duty) tail housing has a bumpy knob on top where it meets the case.
Album 21403

One or two motor mount bosses?
Album 21402
Early or late can come both ways. Why?

All 8910-up have both. The last one is for an exhaust pipe bracket. Some earliers one have both, however.

One switch or two? 8910- has both
Album 21404

Clutch Lever Type

Remote (side) linkage: 3-speed
Bell crank linkage: Datsun B10 (Datsun 1000)
Album 15856
Hydraulic linkage: LHD models, hole on left side of case
Cable linkage: RHD models, cable hole on right side of bell flange
Album 19050

Clutch Cable Hole

RHD 4-speeed and 5-speed models use a clutch cable. In the B110, this was a small hole in the bellhousing flange, while it is a larger hole in B210 and B310 models.

5-speed: B110 small hole, B210 large hole
Album 19047

1976-1994 'Angular-D' shape
Album 26658

Gearbox Mount Position

Early boxes have a single gearbox mount location
Late boxes have two locations

Drain Plug vs. Reverse Switch

4-speed (RHD early models 67-73): Reverse Switch points straight back
4-speed (later model 1975-up): drain plug points straight back
5-speed: drain plug points down, from middle of adapter plate

Extension Housing Shape On the Five Speed, the extension housing is a gravity casting (sand casting) which is fatter than the four speed extension, as both reverse and first gear are located in there.
Album 14706

The bolts holding the extension to the front case are:

Short in 4-speed
Long in 5-speed

Both first & reverse are in the extention housing which looks to be a gravity casting, while the main case is a pressure die casting.

Sandwich plate differs - in the 5-speed, the oil drain plug screws up into this from the bottom.
Tail Housing (extension) - 5-speed extension bulkier to encase 1st gear (as well as reverse).
Like the four speed, the reverse light switch is also rearward facing in the five speed 56A gearbox.

Electrical Switches

All 56-series transmissions have a Reverse Lamp Switch.

Pink arrow REV switch: left 4-speed, right 5-speed
Album 19048

Some newer 4-speeds include one or more of the following, for the purpose of controlling emission gear on the engine:

* Top Switch (high gear detect switch)
* Neutral Switch
* Reverse Lamp Switch

Reverse Switch is on bottom | 4-speed Neutral Switch is near top
Album 19052

Gears

5-speed Ratios

The 5-speed transmission (F5C56A) was originally installed on certain non-USA models of the 1200. With the stock gearing this transmission works very well for street, slaloms, high-speed time trials or rallies. With the optional gearing (32010-H7220N), it is the best production-based transmission available for racing versions of the 1200, B210 or 210 Datsuns. The synchro mechanism is the servo-type (steel).

32010-H7251 stock GX-5 5-SPD TRANSMISSION
32010-H7251P OPT #1 W/R 5-SPD TRANSMISSION
32010-H7220N OPT #2 C/R 5-SPD TRANSMISSION

Part No.	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Rev
32010-H7251P W/R	3.757	2.374	1.659	1.291	1.000	4.040
32010-H7220N C/R	2.676	1.691	1.398	1.181	1.000	2.877

Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Catalog

catalog

The counter gear is a single machined piece that includes several gears on one shaft.

5-speed Gear Ratios (GEAR-COUNTER)

Model	Note	Gearset	Counter PN	teeth
F5C56A	wide-ratio	stock GX-5	32213-H7200	29T,26T,23T,18T,13T
F5C56A	close-ratio	Close-ratio	32213-H7220	25T,23T,21T,18T,13T

Counter gears interchange if the matching gears are used:

Gears	wide-ratio	teeth	close-ratio	teeth
Main	32200-H7200	19T	32202-H7220	23T
1st	32230-H7200	32T	<- same
2nd	32250-H7200	28T	<- same
3rd	32260-H7200	25T	32262-H7220	27T
4th	32270-H7200	22T	32262-H7220	25T

Stock (W/R) gearset
Album 26281

C/R gearset
Album 26282

Close/Ratio Gearset (uses existing Gear 1 and Gear 2)
Album 26280

Straight-cut gear version of C/R gearset (uses stock helical cut Gear 1)
Album 26277

4-speed Ratios

Part No.	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Rev.
Stock 4-speed	3.757	2.169	1.404	1.000	3.640
OPT 1 M/C	2.862	1.908	1.350	1.000	3.640
OPT 2 U/C	2.168	1.593	1.233	1.000	3.640

Datsun 1200 4-speed. Same as B20 Datsun 1000 Pick-up
1st 3.76
2nd 2.17
3rd 1.40
4th 1.00
REV 3.46

4-speed Ratios (GEAR-COUNTER) for F4W56L only (will not fit F4W56A)

Model	Note	Gearset	Counter PN	teeth
F4W56L	Stock	W/R	32210-24900	13T,19T,25T,29T
F4W56L	OPT 1	M/C	32210-27720	16T,20T,26T,29T
F4W56L	OPT 2	U/C	32210-H1020	19T,23T,26T,29T

Counter gears interchange if the matching gears are used:

Gear	Stock		OPT 1		OPT 2
1st	32230-24900	32T	32230-27720	30T	32230-H1020	27T
2nd	32250-24900	27T	32250-27720	25T	32250-H1020	24T
3rd	32260-24900	23T	32260-27720	23T	32260-H1020	21T

All sets use the same 19T main gear (input shaft)

Stock 4-speed gearset Explanation
Album 13278

Middle-Close 4-speed gearset
Album 26279

Ultra-Close 4-speed gearset
Album 26278

Topgear ^POST straight-cut gearset
Album 8444 Album 8445

Topgear 56A gearset
1st 2.50
2nd 1.64
3rd 1.25
4th 1.00

Ute

Sunny truck Long Body vs Short Body uses different transmission. Front case differs slightly, while gears, shifter, and rear extension do not differ.

SB
* 32010-G1650 -8910
  * 32005-21101 SWITCH ASSY-REVERSE LAMP
* 32010-95W00 8910- [has neutral switch]
  * 32006-G6200 NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH
* Uses a full engine plate 30411-H5001
  * 30501-H5000 SLEEVE-CLUTCH RELEASE
* 11322-G1000 MEMBER ASSY-ENGINE MOUNTING, REAR -8503
* 11322-G1900 MEMBER ASSY-ENGINE MOUNTING, REAR 8504-

LB
* 32010-G1651 -8910
  * 32005-H5000 SWITCH ASSY-REVERSE LAMP
* 32010-95W03 8910- [has neutral switch]
  * 32006-G6200 NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH
* Uses dust cover 30422-H5010
  * 30501-H1000 SLEEVE-CLUTCH RELEASE
* 11322-H1002 MEMBER ASSY-ENGINE MOUNTING, REAR -8503
* 11322-G1910 MEMBER ASSY-ENGINE MOUNTING, REAR 8504-

Smooth Case

Rare smooth-case 56A with no ribs. The casting itself is different. What did it come out of?

Album 19710 Album 19711 Album 19712 Album 19713

Another one:
Album 29528

And a smooth-case 5-speed
Album 26069 Album 26068 Album 26067

Parts

See also: 56-Series Transmission Parts

¤

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