How do you tell the difference between the various types of T5 transmissions since there's quite a few versions, 4,6,8 cyl. Aside from checking the tag(which is non existant on most at the PnP) is there an easy way to tell them apart?

I am specifically looking for one from a foxbody 5.0(87-93) btw.

 

Theres a code on em somewhere. You could always check the shift order to make sure its not a T-45. I doubt you'll run across a T-56.

T-5 might have came behind motors other than the 289/302, but I dont think theres a difference really.

Still weak pieces of shit, my old motor ate through 3.

 

T-45's have a non removeable bell housing. The T-5 is a good transmission that has a strong aftermarket support and can be built to support up to 700 or more horsepower. They are light and have good gear ratio's. They came in 4cyl's and v-8's. This website might be useful.
There are so many models of them made that it is pretty hard to tell them apart. The 4cyl. trans do have a smaller input shaft bearing than a v8 trans. Regular fluid changes and a good aftermarket shifter with shift stops help out alot.

 

Whenever you fix this, I've never messed with a T45 or T56 in person so I dont really know differences other than gears. T-5 stock is still not that great, sure build the hell out of it, it'll rip

 

A T56 is quite a bit larger and heavier than a T5; ~20-30lbs difference. I have a hard time believing you'd run across one where the owner doesn't have a clue what he has.

 

Btw, the T5 will be going in my volvo turbo. A freshly rebuilt WC T5 will do just fine in my application, which will probably be around 300rwtq when I'm done. The foxbody V8 T5's are relatively easy to adapt to the Volvo 4cyl since the input shaft is the same length as my current trans. IIRC, the input shaft on the T5 is longer on the newer V6 and 94-95 V8's.

Basically, I'm looking for cheap, rebuildable one(which are plentiful on the stang forums, ebay........) and want see if there is a way to tell aside from typically non-existant tag on the bellhousing.

 

Nailed it