I'm going to do the shifter bushing replacement soon, and it only seems to make sense to replace the 3 shift cover seals at the same time (info on this pasted below). A bunch of places sell the bushing kit (I'll probably source from Allstate Gear), but I'm not finding anyone who sells the seals. Does anyone have a source for these, or is it a "dealer only" item? If the later, does anyone have the Ford part#?

Thanks...


M5OD Mazda Design Manual Five Speed Transmission
Those of you who own Ford full size or small size trucks with the M5OD Mazda design 5 speed manual transmission should have the rubber shift cover plugs resealed at your earliest possible convenience. A common occurrence with this model transmission is the rubber plugs shrinking over time and allowing lube oil to leak out of the transmission. This occurs while the vehicle is in operation, so there is less of a tendency for a puddle to develop when the vehicle is sitting parked. The result to the transmission is a lack of lubrication and damage to some very expensive gears and bearings.

 

I got mine from the dealer, but that was a few years ago. Someone here(?) suggested using brass freeze plugs. If you do find the correct plugs, I suggest that you install them using silicone to keep them from leaking again. Although they will eventually dry out again sometime in the future, hence the reccomendation to use brass plugs instead of the rubber variety.

 

Hadn't read about that option. Anyone know the size and/or source?

If anyone has the Ford part# for the rubber ones, that would be great too.

 

Use the freeze plug type instead of the rubber ones. They can also be picked up from Allstate Gear. That is where I got mine. Have fun.

 

Okay, good. I sent a msg to Allstate about the plugs over the weekend, so they'll probably reply back today. They seem to have the best price on the shifter bushing kit, so it'll be easy to order everything from them.

To install the plugs does the upper cover need to come out or can it be done in place?

 

M5OD Mazda Design Manual Five Speed Transmission Preventative Measure .: Articles Have a read here.
Also broncograveyard.com can be good for parts.

 

Yes, good article - I've seen it before and will use for reference when doing the job.

I queried one of the eBay vendors who sells the bushing kit if he sells the plugs and he asked if I need the front or rear plugs. Is this a valid question even? All I've ever read about is the three plugs, with no regard to location.

 

Rear plugs only.

 

Just ordered from Allstate. Total for shifter kit, 3 freeze plugs, and shipping was $37.

 

The FORD part # is 1L5Z-7A107-AA
MSRP $9.22 each

 

Thanks for posting - at least that'll be in here for the next guy. That said, Allstate charges $10 for all three plugs, which folks are claiming are a better option. You do need to call them up and find someone who knows what they are though - they're not listed on the web-site like the shifter bushing kit.

 

Before I go install these, here's some TranSolutions part #'s (as ordered and received from Allstate Gear)....

Shifter bushing kit Part# M50-SK $14.80
Shift top Plugs (pkg of 3) Part# TS555 $10.00

 

Got this all completed today after running into a problem with shifter fork alignment (see seperate thread w/ details). Apparently it's a better idea to do this project with the shifter in neutral rather than 1st gear.

Any way, here's a pic of what my old "bushings" looked like...



The new set from Allstate is somewhat different and comes with no instructions at all. There is only one metal ring. I just put that in first in the bottom of the cup and then bushing, ball stub, bushing. I only bothered to replace one of the studs since you only need to knock one out to get the ring and lower bushing in place.

All done...