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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.
Contents |
Gearbox Numbering
Nissan coding for gearbox models. Example of F4W56L:
- F: Floor shift (R: remote/column shift)
- 4: forward speeds (3,4 and 5 were available)
- W: Wide-ratio gearset (C: Close-ratio)
- 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- and [1]30-series 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: GEARBOX NUMBERING AND BASIC INFO.
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.
Ratios:
Rev: 3.640
1st: 3.380
2nd: 1.734
3rd: 1.000
Older B10 transmission, note the bell crank clutch mechanism instead of cable clutch:
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) | </td>2.168 | 1.592 | 1.231 | 1.000 | 3.640 |
Number of teeth on gears:
- Counter gear shaft: 29T, 25T, 19T, 13T
- 29T (input), 25T (3rd), 19T (2nd), 13T (1st)
- + 13T (rev)
- 29T (input), 25T (3rd), 19T (2nd), 13T (1st)
- 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 QTY REQ.
- 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 Parts 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 Parts catalog
| 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 |
| 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
Inspection
Revisions
The 56A versions are just a model revision, with slight changes. The four speed 56A trans was first offered in April of 1973. There was an 'L' revision of the 4-speed, but never any L 5-speeds.
4-speeds:
- 1966: 56-series intro
- 1970: B110 uses 56L transmission
- 1973 April: 56A revision
- new unit plate instead of dust cover
- new plate requires different length release bearing
Note that the 4-speed transmission was redesigned in April 1973. Gearsets are not interchangable between early and late transmissions.
F4W56A is the 1973-1/2-revised version of the F4W56L that was mounted on the B110 series. 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.
- 56L: Stronger webs on the ribbing
5-Speed F5C56/F5W56/F5C56A
For an overview of 5-speeds in general, see: 5-Speeds. Comparos, Ratio info, etc.
The 56-series transmission came factory stock in Datsun 1200 GX-5 models. They were also sold by Datsun Competition. This means they are very rare and hence expensive.
The 5-speed used an engine plate instead of a simple dust cover
- 30411-H5000 PLATE-rear engine B110 GX-5
The advantages of the 56 over other 5-speeds is:
- It is non-overdrive, and hence desirable for certain types of racing
- It is a dogleg shifter (as is the 63 and 60L for A-series engine)
- It is light and small
- It bolts into any Datsun 1200 using factory parts. The other 5-speeds need slight modifications.
These boxes don't have a great reputation for strength behind the A14 or A15 motors, but are excellent behind an A12. They are marginally OK for use with A13, although the TS racers had to treat them with great care. NOTE they do fit the smaller tunnels in the Datsun 1000.
- EDIT, additional info.
The 'standard' Datsun 1200 competition engine used a 76mm bore yeilding 1270cc This is the standard [short stroke] A13 dimention & capacity. Serious competition engines ran even larger bores with capacities only a few cc's under 1300. The Option 1 five speed was the recomended transmission behind these factory spec race engines. Source. Datsun B110 Competition Tune Up Manual. 1974
The 56-series five speed is a Dogleg shifter:
R- 2- 4 1- 3- 5 dogleg
Why a dogleg pattern? In racing, 1st isn't used much, but the 4-5 shift needs to be quick.
NOTE that the FS5W60L for A-series engines is also a 5-speed dogleg model, but is an overdrive tranmission.
Identification
Look for "56" in large letters on the right side of the case
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.
4-speed vs 5-speed
The most sure-fire IDs for the 5-speed:
- The top case bolts are long (2-3" long)
-
- Reverse gear detent plug in on left side
- Reverse light switch on top, pointing straight back
-
- Drain plug straight down
5-speeds are RHD only (right-side clutch hold, and right-side cutout for clutch lever). 4-speeds are available RHD or LHD.
Right side:
Left side:
Question: isn't it the best way to know if it is a 5-speed is to mover the shifter knob into the "fifth gear" position?
Answer: This has mislead many a buyer. Many a 4-speed appears to shift into a 5th position but there's nothing there... One method to determine if a 56A gearbox is a five speed is to move the lever to the left. If a spring detent is felt, then press against it, overcoming its resistance, & move the lever forward. Turn the input shaft by hand & the output shaft should rotate in the opposite direction. If it does, then it's a 5 speed.
Clutch Lever Type
- Remote (side) linkage: 3-speed
- Bell crank linkage: Datsun B10 (Datsun 1000)
-
- Hydraulic linkage: LHD models, hole on left side
- Cable linkage: RHD models, cable hole on right side
-
Clutch Cable Hole
RHD 4-speeed and 5-speed models use a clutch cable. In the B110, this was a small hole in bellhousing, while it is a larger hole in B210 and B310 models
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 extention housing is a gravity [sand] casting which is fatter than the four speed extension, as both reverse and first gear are located in there.
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 switch.
- Reverse gear electrical switch
Some newer transmissions include one or more of the following, for the purpose of controlling emission gear on the engine:
- Top gear switch
- Neutral switch
Gears
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 Parts 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 |
| F5W56A | wide-ratio | stock GX-5 | 32213-H7200 | ? 29T,26T,23T,18T,13T ? |
| F5C56A | close-ratio | Close-ratio | ??? | ? 29T,22T,24T,19T,16T ? |
Counter gears interchange if the matching gears are used:
| Gears | wide-ratio | teeth | close-ratio | teeth |
| 1st | 32230-H7200 | ? | ? | ? |
| 2nd | 32250-H7200 | ? | ? | ? |
| 3rd | 32260-H7200 | ? | ? | ? |
| 4th | 32270-H7200 | ? | ? | ? |
56 5-speed swap Notes
When installing the F5C56A 5-speed transmission in the 1200, B210 or 210 models an alternate transmission mount, insulator and stopper must be obtained. The 210 mount requires 20mm/.787" spacers for correct driveline alignment.
- 11322-H7201 1200 TRANSMISSION MOUNT
- 11322-H5700 B210 TRANSMISSION MOUNT
- 11341-H8500 210 TRANSMISSION MOUNT (requires 20mm spacers)
- 11321-H1000 INSULATOR
- 11323-H7200 STOPPER
Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Parts catalog
56 Rear Engine Mount (Transmission Mount)
Mount: (1) 2 bolts (2) 2 bolts. Circles: Fill & Drain plugs
Parts
FS4W56
- 32010-H1652 ASSY-TRANSMISSION(F4W56)
- 32010-H3551 ASSY-TRANSMISSION (F4W56) 0972-
- replaces 32010-H1652
- 32010-H3950 ASSY-TRANSMISSION(F4W56E) 0671-
- 32010-H3951 ASSY-TRANSMISSION (F4W56L) 0172-
- 32010-H3953 ASSY-TRANSMISSION (F4W56L) 0972-0373
- replaces 32010-H3951
- 32010-H3963 ASSY-TRANSMISSION (F4W56A) 0473-
- replaces 32010-H3953
Counter Gear
- 32210-24900 GEAR-COUNTER 29T,25T,19T,13T -0373
- 32210-G1100 GEAR-COUNTER 29T,25T,19T,13T 0473-0874 (F4W56A)
- USA B110, starting April 1973
- Used through 1982 (listed for A12-powered B210 & B310)
FS5W56
Counter Gear
- 32213-H7200 GEAR-counter
Synchros
4-speed and 5-speed synchronizers are very different.
4-SPEED EARLY
- 32601-18000 HUB-SYNCHRONIZER 1 4 SPEED $78 USD
- 32604-H1000 BAULK RING
- 32606-18000 SLEEVE-COUPLING $52 USD
4-SPEED LATE
- 32601-H7301 HUB-SYNCHRONIZER, 1ST & 2ND, 3RD & 4TH $83 USD
- same as 60-series transmission 4-speed & 5-speed (1st & 2nd only)
- 32604-H9000 BAULK RING $44 USD
- also replaces ealier 32604-H1000
- same as 60-series transmission 4-speed
- 32606-18000 SLEEVE-COUPLING
- same as 60-series transmission 4-speed & 5-speed
5-SPEED
- 32601-H7200 HUB-SYNCHRONIZER, 2nd & 3rd, 4th & 5th 5-speed
- 32606-H7200 SLEEVE-coupling
4-speed uses synchro baulk rings. 5-speed has nubs on the hub itself.
Case
The case is the front part of the transmission (the "bell housing"). The case for 4-speed and 5-speed looks the same, but has different part numbers. Note that different years and different markets added changes to the case.
RHD (JDM Catalog)
- 32100-18000 CASE-transmission 4-speed B10
- 32100-H1000 CASE-transmission 4-speed B110
- 32100-H7230 CASE-transmission 5-speed B110 GX-5
- 32100-H5035 CASE-transmission 4-speed B210 1975
- 32100-H5030 CASE-transmission 4-speed B210 (from 7503)
- 32100-H7421 CASE-transmission 4-speed B210, B310 1976-
- 32100-G1123 CASE-transmission 4-speed B120 SB 7510-
- 32100-G1124 CASE-transmission 4-speed B120 LB 7510-
LHD (USA catalog)
- 32100-H1600 CASE-transmission 4-speed B110 LHD to 0970
- 32100-H1630 CASE-transmission 4-speed B110 LHD from 1070-
- 32101-H3900 CASE-transmission 4-speed B110 LHD from 0671-
- 32101-H3930 CASE-transmission 4-speed B110 LHD from 0172-
- 32100-H6200, 32100-H6201 CASE-transmission 4-speed B210 LHD to 0874 (A13 engine)
- 32100-H6127 CASE-transmission 4-speed B210 LHD USA
- 32100-H8511, 32100-H8529 CASE-transmission 4-speed B210 LHD CANADA
- Has an electrical switch in case (reverse)
Uncategorized Nissan Parts List
Gearset, 4-speed
- B110 4spd 32280-G1100 ASSY-GEAR REVERSE IDLER 17T 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32283-G1100 BUSH-GEAR REVERSE IDLER 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32281-G1100 SHAFT-REVERSE IDLER 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32285-18000 RING-SNAP REVERSE IDLER 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32210-G1100 GEAR-COUNTER 29T,25T,19T,13T 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32223-24900 BEARING-BALL COUNTER SHAFT 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32220-G1100 GEAR-REVERSE COUNTER 13T 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 00922-11700 RING-SNAP 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32219-G1000 BEARING-NEEDLE COUNTER SHAFT 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32224-H7201 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2. 0 4 SPEED 0673- 2
- B110 4spd 32224-H7205 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2. 0 4 SPEED 0673- 2
- B110 4spd 32224-G1005 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2. 0 4 SPEED 0473-0573 3
- B110 4spd 32224-H7204 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2 0 4 SPEED 0673- 2
- B110 4spd 32224-G1004 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2 0 4 SPEED 0473-0573 3
- B110 4spd 32224-H7203 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2. 0 4 SPEED 0673- 2
- B110 4spd 32224-G1003 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2. 0 4 SPEED 0473-0573 3
- B110 4spd 32224-G1002 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2. 0 4 SPEED 0473-0573 3
- B110 4spd 32224-G1001 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2. 0 4 SPEED 0473-0573 3
- B110 4spd 32224-H7200 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2. 0 4 SPEED 0673- 2
- B110 4spd 32224-G1000 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2. 0 4 SPEED 0473-0573 3
- B110 4spd 32224-H7202 WASHER-THRUST COUNTER BEARING T=2. 0 4 SPEED 0673- 2
- B110 4spd 32200-G1000 ASSY-GEAR MAIN DRIVE 19T,30T 1 4 SPEED -
- B110 4spd 32203-18000 BEARING-BALL MAIN SHAFT 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32205-18000 WASHER-THRUST MAIN DRIVE GEAR 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32204-18000 RING-SNAP MAIN DRIVE GEAR 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32241-G1101 SHAFT-MAIN 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32246-G1000 WASHER-THRUST MAIN SHAFT 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32253-18000 BUSH-MAIN SHAFT REVERSE GEAR 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32264-18000 BEARING-NEEDLE MAIN SHAFT 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32230-G1100 ASSY-GEAR 1ST SPEED 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32604-H1000 RING-BAULK 2 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32604-H1010 RING-BAULK 2 4 SPEED 0473-0573 32
- B110 4spd 32609-18000 INSERT-SHIFTING 3 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32603-18000 SPRING-SYNCHRONIZER 2 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32601-18000 HUB-SYNCHRONIZER 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32606-18000 SLEEVE-COUPLING 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32264-24900 BEARING-NEEDLE MAIN SHAFT 2 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32250-G1100 ASSY-GEAR 2ND SPEED 1 4 SPEED -
- B110 4spd 32260-G1100 ASSY-GEAR 3RD SPEED 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32604-H1000 RING-BAULK 2 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32604-H1010 RING-BAULK 2 4 SPEED 0673- 2
- B110 4spd 32609-18000 INSERT-SHIFTING 3 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32603-18000 SPRING-SYNCHRONIZER 2 4 SPEED -
- B110 4spd 32601-18000 HUB-SYNCHRONIZER 1 4 SPEED -
- B110 4spd 32606-18000 SLEEVE-COUPLING 1 4 SPEED -
- B110 4spd 32265-18000 WASHER-THRUST SYNCHRONIZER HUB 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32265-H7200 WASHER-THRUST SYNCHRONIZER HUB 1 4 SPEED 0473- 2
- B110 4spd 32720-14600 BALL-STEEL 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32272-18000 BEARING-PILOT MAIN SHAFT 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32273-G1000 BEARING-BALL MAIN SHAFT 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32205-18000 WASHER-MAIN BEARING 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32204-18000 RING-SNAP MAIN SHAFT 1 4 SPEED 0473-
- B110 4spd 32245-G1100 GEAR-REVERSE MAIN SHAFT 1 4 SPEED 0473-