I bought a '89 with a W56 trans in it about a month ago. Yesterday it started kicking out of 1st and 3rd gear. Today 1st seems alright but it wont even go into 3rd without pushing the shifter hard and holding it in place. Does anyone know whats probably wrong with it (shift fork?)? Is this a common problem? I spent the morning calling junkyards and could only find a W56 through a parts locator service for $800 including shiping. Does anyone have any cheaper suggestions on fixing it.

You might check the shift lever seat bushing first:

Try http://car-part.com/ and see if you can find it cheaper...

I've had good luck before for other components.

Already checked. $350 without the TC, but that's OK. I'm gonna assume approx. $100 for freight, depending on the location. Don't know the posters'. Definately do the seat and bushing first. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Absolutely, do what 4Crawler said. I have the same truck/year and tranny and here's my write up:

http://www.brian894x4.com/Shifter.html

+2 A highly recommeded fix by pretty much everybody <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Although i only saw a small improvement in shifting so keep that in mind if your trans has alot of miles on it.

Here in the upper midwest junk yards have more of these trannys than they know what to do with. They know what prices the west coast yards are asking on car-part.com, but in reality many would sell cheap to a guy who was actually standing in their shop with money. It usually works for me. I wouldn't pay more than $200. If I had time I'd shop around for sombody who's parting out a rusty wreck and pay no more than $150 (with the t-case <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> ).

If you need to get one shipped remember UPS won't ship at that weight, But DHL will. I got an R151 tranny with bellhousing shipped from Reno, Nevada to Wisconsin for $49!

If you've got tools and skills you could rebuild it yourself. Rebuild kits sell for $150 - $250. Using the factory manual along with the 4x4wire transmission rebuild article you might find the start of a new career. Good luck whichever you choose. -- Matt <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

i was pleased with the shifter seat from marlin crawler,supposed to be more heavey duty than stock .I like that.