Reps to you for that. Good info.

 

Alright I check with him. Another question (they just keep comin) will the starter I have work or will I need to get one from an newer model? Also found this ZF 5 speed while browsing for a M5R2. Its 2wd but doesnt clearify if its a big block or small block bell housing. Figured Id throw it up here to help somebody if they are looking for one. $250
(http://m.ebay.com/itm/281533424115?nav=SEARCH)

 

Thank you Gary!

John,
If you were close to Atlanta, that is a very fair price on a stout trans. And yes, it is the right bell housing, from his description at least.
I do think that you'd be happier with the Mazda though, for what you plan to use it for. It's not nearly as tough as the ZF, but, the simple way of putting it: The Mazda will drive more like a car transmission, the ZF is more of a truck trans, if that makes any sense. I have both, also behind 300s (the ZF5 was a swap of course). The Mazda is a much more daily driver friendly transmission, whereas the ZF I use everytime there's a heavy load that needs moving. Also, with the M5od, the ratios are alot closer, so short shifting is smooth as silk, the ZF has wider ratios and loves to build revs.
My $.02.

 

Yeah I thought it was a pretty good deal but like you said Im looking for more of like a car transmission. Also Im all the way over here in Texas so it wouldnt be worth it after driving there to get it. A couple more questions and I promise ill stop lol. Are the M5R2 and T18 transmission the same length? Coming from the 3 speed to the T18 we didnt have to modify the driveshaft. Another question, when installing the T18 my floor pan wasnt removable and I needed it done quick so i cut the floor pan out pretty nasty like with an air hammer (regret it completely now) and welded some washers to it and drilled holes for bolts to hold it down. Can I get the floor pan from the donor truck and fab it into my truck? With a 2inch body lift (installed from previous owner) will the clutch linkage and shifter clear and function okay? I could always remove the body lift but id have to modify my exhaust, rear bumper (prob go to roll pan) and the tires on it right now (brand new) might not clear and of course have to get o.e.m. body mount bolts.

Thanks, John

 

There is no clutch linkage. That's what the hydraulic clutch thing is all about. I don't know about the lengths, so get ready to modify the shaft again, or if the donor is the same wheelbase, just get the shaft out of it.

I don't see why you could not get the floorpan piece out of the newer truck. It unbolts.

 

So my parts list is as goes:
M5R2 transmission
Donor Truck floor pan
Donor Truck clutch assembly
slave cylinder
Clutch
hydralic lines
reverse light wiring
speedo assembly
throw out bearing

Anything I missed?

Thanks, John

 

May as well figure in the driveshaft out of the donor. Bring a measuring tape with you and compare the lengths against your t18.

 

Oh heck we werr just talking about that I forgot it lol. Ill be sure to right that down with it.

Thanks, John

 

And the firewall plate - if you go that way.

Edit: Also, when you get the transmission cover also get the screws and speed nuts that hold it on.

 

may be a dumb question but why would he need a new clutch assembly if he already has a manual transmission? did I miss something?

 

also would any year m5r2 work for what he's doing? like would one out of say a 2000 work?

 

No such thing as a dumb question. He needs a new clutch assembly as the T18 is a mechanical clutch and the M5od is hydraulic.
The trans would have to come from a truck with the small block pattern, ie 4.9 5.0 5.8... There were SOME 97 4.6s that shared this pattern I hear, but otherwise, 1997 and down.

 

Also what you may not know; The 5 speed trannies did not have a separate bellhousing like the older 4 speeds. The bell is part of the tranny. So that's the reason you are stuck using a hydraulic clutch, there is no provisions in the integrated bell for a mech clutch.