Good chance I will be purchasing a 3rd gen T 56 swap. Advertised as everything required for the swap. In a nutshell, what all should be there? Its supposed to be a Tremec.

Also I understand the difficulty in judging condition of a stand alone transmission, but what is the best I can do? It's supposed to be very low miles, low as in 4 digits.

 

T-56 = a Tremec product

TKO = also a Tremec product

www.ttcautomotive.com for the facts about them.

"What's there" would depend on what kind of trans it is, first; and on what kind of car it came out of, if it's a stock one, after that.

If it's the LT1 version of the T-56, the whole "kit" would contain a trans, bell housing, flywheel, clutch & disc, hydraulics, and crossmember. You'll have to come up with a speedo strategy on your own, because that isn't available from the car it came out of.

If it's the LS1 version, you'll need the same things, except for the speedo as above, plus the special pilot bearing to make it fit.

If it's a TKO (aftermarket), there'll be yet another group of things that you'll need.

As for judging the condition, look at the fluid. If it's got metal in it, pass. If it's clean and smells good, it's probably OK.