towing with t56

Any of you t56 guys use your car for towing? I'm deciding between 4.10 and 4.56 for the gears, and thought about the possibility of towing with this wagon (96 Roadmaster- stock motor, t56).

I'm guessing that 6th gear(and maybe 5th) wouldn't be used while towing, but would a certain gear ratio help or hinder the transmission with the added weight of a trailer? The total trailer weight probably wouldn't exceed 1500lbs.

Thoughts?

Thanks, Ben

I had a t56 caprice with only 3.73s - and I hauled a utility trailer OFTEN with all kinds of things on it, including my zero turn mower and any other thing I wanted - gravel, railroad ties, you name it.

You're asking a valid question, but seriously - with either gear you pick - your car won't even have a clue that it's hooked to anything - any more than hauling a bunch of stuff in the back of a stock geared wagon.

I'd actually think a more appropriate question would be where one would find speed rated utility trailer tires.

I haven't done the conversion yet, but you should have no problem towing with either gear. Check out the spreadsheet in the link below....it may help with your decision on gear selection.

https://gmlongroof.4umer.com/transmission-and-drivetrain-f29/t56-vs-4l60e-comparison-spreadsheet-t757.htm

Bewber wrote:

I'd actually think a more appropriate question would be where one would find speed rated utility trailer tires.

LOL.....I am building a custom trailer to pull behind my wagon. It will have C5 "wagon" wheels to match the ones on my 95 and speed rated tires.

Bewber: great to hear from someone who's actually towed with a manual. I guess that since the t56 is more of a "go fast" transmission vs. a "towing" transmission, I was hoping an additional load (even more than the wagon itself) wouldn't be too taxing on it. And if one gear would be better, I would've got it. Looks as if I'll be good either way. Good news for sure.

Arlington: that spreadsheet is a real gem. I've looked it over a few times. P.M. going your way on that. I'll also be pulling a custom made camping trailer, so it'll have the same wheels as the wagon.

I was kind of hoping one or the other (4.10 or 4.56) would be a better towing-related choice, but I guess I've still got a decision to make!

Thanks for the replies, fellas.

I sent the Excel spreadsheet to you via email....hope it helps. Let me know if you have any questions about the file. Keep us posted of your progress.

Crovo has 410s and they are perfect IMHO. I'd be scared of the driveshaft balancing with the 456s.

Bewber wrote:

Crovo has 410s and they are perfect IMHO. I'd be scared of the driveshaft balancing with the 456s.

Meh,. 4:88's ftmfw!!

Nick

phantom 309 wrote:

Bewber wrote:

Crovo has 410s and they are perfect IMHO. I'd be scared of the driveshaft balancing with the 456s.

Meh,. 4:88's ftmfw!!

Nick

Well, in all fairness, a stock motor is like 260hp, and broseph is putting down like 430 at the wheels - so it might not be ONLY the gears that gets him the driving perfection.

I think it's going to be 4.56- just sounds like too much fun NOT to do!

I think my 4.10's feel too stockish. I woulda done the 4.56's (again) if my rearend hadn't blown up before I'd saved enough for the conversion. I think towing with the 56's would be better, because IIRC, they work out to be like a 4l60 car with 3.73's...

Well, the gears and reluctor ring have been ordered (4.56). I'll give some feedback when the install is finished. All that's left is the gears and Eaton posi, aluminum driveshaft, and pcm stuff.

I went with 4.10's to help spool the turbo with my T56 swap. I tow alot and anywhere from 4-6k lbs so i did some research be fore i swamped mine. if i was NA i would have went 4.88

Very old post Derek,wouldnt a 4.88 help to spool the turbo up even quicker.

No need load to help build heat.. if I was not towing I would run 3.42 turbo wise. Ya its old but since I just joined I was reading thru.