I'm picking up a working T5 World Class with 180,000 kilometers on it. There are so many levels of rebuild kits available. I'd like to know what the suggested course of action would be to refresh this thing.

 

Depends on condition.

Usually the typical rebuild kit w bearings, snap rings, seals, etc. is all you need, as far as "kit". I would recommend getting the synchro "springs" (look like 2/3 of a ring), all 9 keys, and all 6 of the little plastic "pads" for the shifter forks. Those other things make its shift action feel like new.

If the blocker rings are wore out, then of course you would want to get those. They rarely are though.

Then as far as hard parts, who knows... shouldn't need any, but, ya never know til ya tear it down. Hopefully the PO (ALL the POs throughout its life) knew to put it in a forward gear before reverse instead of just jamming it in and letting em grind.

Doesn't too much matter what "kit" you use, it'll tear up quick if you "enjoy" it too much, so don't hallucinate that you're going to somehow "beef it up". My recommendation would be to spend AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE (like, ZERO) on it; just drive it; and save your money for a T-56.