45 replies to this topic

[AussieR]

Hi,

I am in need of a new (manual) transmission for my '96 850R.

The R comes stock with the M59, while the M56 version comes with non turbo 850's.

The M59 I can only source new (around $2,700) while the M56 I can get secondhand ($1,300).

My mechanic tells me that the difference between the two is the casing only, so an M56 can be dismantled and installed in my M59 housing & labour for this is the same as a straight install of the M59. However, I don't think that Volvo would produce identical transmissions for the two models with a different housing only (a waste of money for them for a start).

I expect there are other differences, and the M59 has been made for the higher power output.

Anyone know the differences?

Also, any opinions on the new vs secondhand with a price difference of $1,400.

Thanks.

[Johann]

They are not 100% the same internally.

[TBM]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the M59 came with an LSD (Limited Slip Differential).

From Wikipedia:

Quote

For 1996, Volvo introduced a new manual transmissionoutside the US market, called the M59, that came standard with a Torsendifferential. Furthermore, the M59 cars were equipped with a slightlylarger turbocharger, the TD04H-16T, and upgraded software enablingthese cars to produce 250 hp (190 kW) versus 240 hp (180 kW) for theautomatic transmission equipped cars. Torque was also significantlyincreased in the manual models from 300 N·m (220 lb·ft) to 350 N·m(260 lb·ft).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_850

[shanehutton]

Where are you located? I have a M59 but am missing the axles and LSD unit. If you are not too far away then I see 2 options for us:
1. I sell you my tranny and you get to keep an M59
2. You go with a M56 and I buy your axles/LSD off you


Edit - I just saw your name and I think I can assume you are WAY too far to ship the tranny but maybe not too far to ship the axles. Let me know if you decide to change your tranny.

Let me know.

[drin850]

m59 = lsd
m56 = no lsd
whats wrong with your m59?

if anything buy the m56, and swap the passenger side casing with the m59's so that your original axle (from the m59) works with the m56. that way you keep your lsd and in the end, you basicaly have a m59 again.

ps. try and get a m56h

[Big Will]

These guys are right, the M59 came on 96/97 850R and 98 V70 FWD R

It has some sort of LSD in it.

I can probably help you get one from Sweden used if you'd like but they aren't super common and depending on where you are, shipping will probably be at least a bit expensive.

[JCviggen]

M59 does not have an LSD in it. There is a seperate p/n viscous coupler that fits on the long driveshaft (also a different p/n from normal)

[drin850]

JCviggen, on 19 August 2009 - 02:13 PM, said:

M59 does not have an LSD in it. There is a seperate p/n viscous coupler that fits on the long driveshaft (also a different p/n from normal)

exactly why you would need to instal the passenger side casing from the m59 onto the m56 if you plan on reusing the original axles.

[lookforjoe]

drin850, on 19 August 2009 - 03:28 PM, said:

exactly why you would need to instal the passenger side casing from the m59 onto the m56 if you plan on reusing the original axles.

What you're saying doesn't make any sense - unless you are mis-describing parts..





If you mean the righthand casing, it would be unwise to mix to different castings, I would expect. The diff is most likely different, since the clutch (10) has to seat in the diff, and then the axle passes through, much like the AWD setup.

[drin850]

the diff is the same on both transmissions...i have a pic of mine somewhere around here

my m59 shat the bed a couple years ago so i bought a m56 to replace it, the shop i had it at said my right side axle wont fit in the m56, but they can take the casing from the m59 and put it on the m56 to make the axle fit, and it worked

[shanehutton]

It has to be more than the case because that side of the case has to have an output for both sides drive-force so that the LSD can work. Outer ring is the toque from the other side and the axle goes in and takes that sides torque.

[lookforjoe]

I don't understand why they didn't just get a r/s M56 axle -

I would like to see pics of the r/s - how about a pic from underneath?

M59 has different axles seals, also - that don't supercede to the M56 version./....

[shanehutton]

I think he wanted to keep the LSD but I can't see how it would work without 2 outputs going to that side of the tranny. I'll take a picture of the M59 tomorrow.

[drin850]

only pics i have of a m59, not sure if it helps...

[AussieR]

drin850, on 20 August 2009 - 11:17 PM, said:

the diff is the same on both transmissions...i have a pic of mine somewhere around here

my m59 shat the bed a couple years ago so i bought a m56 to replace it, the shop i had it at said my right side axle wont fit in the m56, but they can take the casing from the m59 and put it on the m56 to make the axle fit, and it worked

Missed and crunched second about two years ago and have had no second gear since. Now the entire transmission is making a racket and its definitely time for replacement.

Mechanic is to confirm to me what he has sourced (M56H or L) but the price includes the RHS axle which he says is necessary to make the fit. Seems this is the same advice drin850 got, but ultimately wasn't necessary(?). I'm basically being told the box and RH axle will come from the 56 and install into the 59.

Can anyone confirm any gearing differences? I haven't been able to locate any info on this. I'm currently inclined towards the secondhand 56 option over the new (but more expensive) 59.

Cheers.

[shanehutton]

If you go this route, would you sell me the axle/lsd coupling cheap? I would really appreciate it.

[AussieR]

shanehutton, on 21 August 2009 - 12:57 PM, said:

If you go this route, would you sell me the axle/lsd coupling cheap? I would really appreciate it.

For the price of shipping from Australia, you could probably buy yourself a new one with money to spare.

[shanehutton]

Nope. You wouldn't believe how expensive the axle and LSD are.

[AussieR]

shanehutton, on 22 August 2009 - 04:04 AM, said:

Nope. You wouldn't believe how expensive the axle and LSD are.

Once its all done & I know what's left over, i'll look into it. Cost of even domestic shipping here though is crazy - I regularly ship from the UK and can get up to 10kg from the UK to here for the same price I can send something domestic to my next door neighbour!

[shanehutton]

Well, if you need the M59, I can sell you the tranny for a good deal. Perhaps $500 US + shipping (lord knows how much that would be)