#1 standard pattern and #2 dogleg pattern.

The 60a is standard pattern, the 60L is dogleg. Both came in versions to fit A-series engines. See 5-speed comparo - 60L vs 60A

Note that the casting mark "#2" doesn't necessarily mean "Option 2" gearsets (see 5-speed Overview for info on gear ratios). I think it only means 60L (dogleg shifter). You might verify by looking at the stamped number on the top of the bell flange.

There's another #2 box in this photo:

5W60A vs RS5W60A 5-speed comparo

The title on that photo might be incorrect. Maybe is is a FS5W60L vs RS5W60A.

I notice both these photos show the drain plug pointing strait back. On my FS5W60A, the drain plug point straight down.

I'm confused. I have a 60 series vanette box and in place of the number 2 I have 9 and on the oposite side of the box I have #16. Couln't manage to see any number right at the top of the bellhousing cos it's pretty awkward to get at. It's a colum shift manual box by the way, any ideas?

I was of the belief that the 'R' basicly indicated 'remote' shifter [column]. Did they actually make a five speed column shift?

The option 1 or 2 normally refers to the ratio's & the gearsets are interchangeable within the diferent [floorshift?] boxes, so I think that the #2 more likely refers to the place where the extention housing was cast.
Could be wrong though.

The way I remember it from Ferals description, the code F5W60A breaks down as

F,.... Floorshift
5,.... five speed
W,... wide ratio [probably overdrive]
60,... 60 series transmission. This is the middle size of the three series of trans.
A.... I have no idea, but it could indicate that it is the first [unrevised] design of 60 series box. I have bever heard of a 'B'. so they must have got it right the first time.

In Ddgonzals example earlier, the other trans would be

R,... remote shift
S,...short extention housing
The rest would be the same as above, except that by default, would the absence of a 4 or 5 would indicate a 4 speed?

R = Remote shift (column Shift)
Some Vanettes came with 5-speed transmission of the type mentioned here.

Yes, "option 1" or "option 2" refers to the gearset ratios. But "2" on the side of the case refers to something else, probably the part change number.

Quote:Would probably indicate a 3-speed. I've never seen one, but Datsun 1200 "Standard" models used a column-shift 3-speed 56a transmission.

i have a gearbox with the same 60 marking, and where the #2 is it says #3 and on the other side a #4??????, anybody know wat it is???, is it a 5speed

This gearbox is still sitting in the shed doing jackshiit. If anyone wants I can get more pictures of it etc.

my 5 speed dogleg has one R on the bellhousing, and is not a remote shift.

My dogleg look like the 60L pix but mine is #1...
Wats the difference??

#1 is the original casting. #2 is the updated casting.

I have just purchased a Gearbox that has 60 on one side and #18 on the other side, there is also the number 9 on it. I think it is a 4 speed. Does anyone have any info on this box please.

Cheers