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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. These are manufactured by Aichi Machine.
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Gearbox Numbering
Nissan coding for gearbox models. Example of F4W56L:
- F: Floor shift (R: remote/column shift)
- S: overdrive
- 4: forward speeds (3,4 and 5 were available)
- W: Warner type sychros (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: 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.
See main article: 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 |
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 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
| 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 |
Assembly
Inspection
B10 4-speed
RHD uses a bellcrank release lever, early 56-series
LHD uses a bellcrank release lever, operated by a hydraulic clutch Slave Cylinder
stamped 'Z U 5 15090'?
Clutch Hole
Revisions
Early 56A
The 56A versions are just a model revision, with slight changes. Datsun 1200 Truck (B120) debuted (FEB 1971) with the revised stronger transmission (per the parts catalog). It was then fitted to B210s at introduction 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 uses 56A revisions
- Apr 1973: B210 production begins in Japan
- 1973 April: 56A supplied for export B110
B210
- new unit 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.
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.
Late Model 56A
- Strong Ribbing
- 56A and Nissan symbols in separate boxes
Stronger webs on the ribbing
1990-1994 Sunny Truck w/dual mount flanges
5-Speed
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 and in B210 JDM. They were also sold by Datsun Competition. This means they are very rare and hence expensive.
- Never available in pre-56A form (F5C56 does not exist) meaning that all the improvements to the 56L are applied to the 5-speed
- Used steel "competition" (Porsche type) synchros in F5C56A form
- Datsun Competition mentions warner type synchros (F5W56A). However, other Datsun sources such as the B110 and B210 parts catalogs only list Porsche type synchros
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The B210 version 5-speed (for A12T) used an engine plate instead of a simple dust cover. See Engine Plate
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 63A and 60L for A-series engine) for quicker 2nd-3rd shifts
- It is lighter, aiding acceleration
- It is smaller, fitting perfectly into the tunnel
- 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.
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:
2- 4 1- 3- 5 dogleg
Why a dogleg pattern? In racing, 1st isn't used much, but the 2-3 shift needs to be quick.
NOTE that the FS5W60L for A-series engines is also a 5-speed dogleg model, but is an overdrive transmission.
The Gearbox Crossmember is slightly different from the 4-speed crossmember.
b310gx: I always used the standard transmission mount, maybe with a few spacer washers to lower it off the floor. Hope this helps you out.
Reverse gear is the only moveable gear in a 56-series gearbox
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Identification
Look for "56" in large letters on the right side of the case
Missing - 56L (or other than 56A)
56A late ute
Or in this area
56A early
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.
Tail Housing
Late (heavy duty) tail housing has a bumpy knob on top where it meets the case.
One or two motor mounts bosses?
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.
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
Left Pink arrow: 4-speed
Right Pink arrow: 5-speed
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 Neutral Switch is near topReverse Switch is on bottom
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
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Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Catalog
The Counter gear is a single machined piece that includes several gears on one shaft.
5-speed Gear Ratios (GEAR-COUNTER)
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Stock (W/R) gearset
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C/R gearset
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Close/Ratio Gearset (uses existing Gear 1 and Gear 2)
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Straight-cut gear version of C/R gearset (uses stock helical cut Gear 1)
4-speed Ratios
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Datsun 1200 4-speed. Same as B20 Datsun 1000 Pick-up 1st 3.76 2nd 2.17 3rd 1.40 4th 1.00 REV 3.464-speed Ratios (GEAR-COUNTER) for F4W56L only (will not fit F4W56A)
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Stock 4-speed gearset
Explanation
Middle-Close 4-speed gearset
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Ultra-Close 4-speed gearset
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56 5-speed swap Notes
Spacers
To fit the 56-series 5-speed,the 4-speed FS4W56 Gearbox Crossmember can be used with 20 mm spacers between the body mount and the crossmember.
Buy from Pitroad http://www.pitroad-ts.com/A-parts-2/bushing/mission-m110.htm
B110 4-speed crossmember converted for F5C56A usage
B310 Sunny 56-series 4-speed crossmember converted for F5C56A usage
ミッション メンバー
Factory Crossmember
1984 Nissan Competition Catalog:
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 [B310] TRANSMISSION MOUNT (requires 20mm spacers)
* 11321-H1000 INSULATOR
* 11323-H7200 STOPPER
56 Rear Engine Mount (Transmission Mount)
Mount: (1) 2 bolts (2) 2 bolts. Circles: Fill & Drain plugs
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?
Another one:
And a smooth-case 5-speed
Extension Housing Bushing
Nissan part number 32132-18000, which is NLA but you may be able to find one NOS.
worn part on gearbox end.Need advice please
Perhaps the best option is to find another 4-speed and swap the tail housings.
When you slide the slip yoke of your tailshaft into the rear of your gearbox, not only does it match up the splines and slide over the output shaft, it also slides into a bushing that's there to keep it centered and running true.
pjz said:
My friend found that Federal Mogul part # FP2204Y can be a good repair for damaged tail housing bushings. It is a few thousands of an inch bigger diameter, so it will easily press into your tail housing, even one where the bushing is pounded out, but will stay in place.
The FP2204Y is really a piston pin bushing for large diesel engines. You will have to drill and chamfer a second oil hole and with a Dremmel tool, you will have to cut spiral oil grooves. Copy the patten on your old bushing. [Drill the oil hole before installation. Then cut the oil grooves after installation. Clamp the tailhousing in a bench vice.]
ONCE installed you will notice that it is too small of a diameter for your slip yoke. Use an adjustable ream to size it to your slip yoke, or use a high speed, soft rotating abrasive drum wheel. A brake cylinder hone will work, but you will be honing for 24 hours or longer. You are at the proper size when a slip yoke will fall freely into the tailhousing. I put the tailhousing vertical and let the slip yoke fall. Be sure NOT to use a slip yoke that is worn undersized.
FP2204Y is 50% longer than a stock bushing, so there is more support area for the drive shaft (prop shaft) slip yoke. Stock oil seal works fine.
They are available on-line and inexpensive.