I have a 56a 4-speed box that shifts into the 5th position, but it's only a 4-speed.
So yes you can be caught out sometimes.

Sweet thanks for the feed back. Only reason I wanted to ID the box correctlly is cause
I was concidering on selling the box and I didn't want to miss Leed some1 in buying it.
Thanks again

if it is overdrive, it is not 56-series five-speed.

Perhaps it is 60-series, which has some ribs, and looks nearly identical to the 4-speed.

Why worry? Just put it in your 1200 and enjoy it. Reduced revs at highway speeds is the benefit = less noise and increased fuel economy.

Thanks for taking the time for your feed back.
I've read the tech wiki time n time again and the
Only reason I'm confused is that were the 56a casting
Should be there is only the single number 5 which makes
Me think it's a normal 56 series if it's the direct mission how
Could I tell? I have selected all gears and put yoke in rear of
Box and marked front shaft and looked at the amount of time it
Turns and it seems to be an overdrive instead of direct gear.
I'm headn out to the shed now to play with it to see how I go yet again.
I am concidering on selling it and have spoken to a few ppl n yes
I'd love to keep it but in 2minds bout it. Luv the L18 in your coupe
I've got a 1200 ute with a L20 in here and a 1200 sedan in paint and
A 1600 on stands. I've had dattos all my life I'm 37 n should no better
I no that but I recently picked up the 5 speed and making sure
My research is correct. Again I'm new to the site and don't use computers
Much at all I'm doin this all via my phone. Thanks again for the
Positive feed back and the more Datto lovers the better,write. Cheers

If its ribbed case, it pretty much has to be a 56A. Note that a few people have had 4spds that appear to shift into 5th posistion.
This wiki page explains the external differences between 56A 4spds and 5spds - longer entension housing bolts, fatter extension housing, different oil drain and reverse light positions.
56A 4spd vs 5spd

you can add phots in this thread by using the reply button below which takes you to the full editor rather than the fast reply box, then you'll see an Attach file options to upload images under 200KB

The reverse switch is on the side. Thanks
For the reply bud

I'm in nsw bud. Thanks

on the 5 speed, does the reverse switch point backwards or sideways

thanks for the reply bud. yep its ribbed identical to a 4 speed
in everyway but is def a 5 speed the number 5 is near the reverse
switch wich is on the side and the numbers 102100522
are on top of the bell housing near the head of the motor.
appreciate the feed back. im only new to the site.
how can i get a couple of photos up here?

Tech Wiki: 5spd Identification

/dd