First Post/New Member
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
First Post/New Member
Hi all! I just purchased this afternoon a decent 84 xl 2wd short bed.This truck has been sitting for 6 years.I put a batt. in it dumped 5 gals of gas and it fired up on the first try.This truck has the TOD 4 speed in it with a bad 3rd gear.I can rebuild it but I am planning to drop my new 340 hp FRPP crate engine in it.I don't think this tranny will really be ideal for this engine,and I was wondering if I could somehow finagle a T-5 in its place.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
Depends how you drive it. I'm assuming you're talking about a world class T-5 from a Mustang. The T-5 was designed when the mustang was making 150hp... They regularly "popped" when drag raced with stock 230hp engines. It will likely hold up if you shift it easy; that is, take you foot off the gas between gears... I would say the T-5 is marginally stronger than a RUG but it's going to be the weak link here. Remember, it was designed around a 150hp, 2,900lb car... Not a 340hp, 3,900lb truck.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Depends how you drive it. I'm assuming you're talking about a world class T-5 from a Mustang. The T-5 was designed when the mustang was making 150hp... They regularly "popped" when drag raced with stock 230hp engines. It will likely hold up if you shift it easy; that is, take you foot off the gas between gears... I would say the T-5 is marginally stronger than a RUG but it's going to be the weak link here. Remember, it was designed around a 150hp, 2,900lb car... Not a 340hp, 3,900lb truck.
Elder User - What???
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
From: Moore, OK
Welcome to the forum and I second (or third) the opinions that a T5 is not what you want. Go with a truck transmission and learn how to shift them a little faster (but nicer at the same time).
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
It can be made a lot stronger but for the cost you could get a Tremec TKO 500/600 trans or for a little more a T56. There is a reason the beefed up T-5 parts exist, Factory Stock drags mainly. I want to say it's around $1,000 for all the upgrade parts plus install and a good T-5. Assuming you don't have a T-5, going from memory it's around 1,800-2,000. For a couple hundred more you can get the TKO 500.
Also, the TKO takes the earlier toploader bellhousing. The T-5 uses it's own. You didn't say what engine you have but you may be able to reuse your existing bell. 5.0 and 5.8w are the same, and I believe the 300-6 is too. That should also simplify the swap as you can use your existing clutch parts.
Also, the TKO takes the earlier toploader bellhousing. The T-5 uses it's own. You didn't say what engine you have but you may be able to reuse your existing bell. 5.0 and 5.8w are the same, and I believe the 300-6 is too. That should also simplify the swap as you can use your existing clutch parts.
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 997
Likes: 2
From: Rock Valley, IA
Welcome to the forums Eggman. If you're wanting to tow with the truck a Borg Warner T-19 transmission will do ya fine. I have it in my truck and am happy with it. If you want it as a daily driver and want overdrive a ZF5 will be what you're looking for. Take a look around. I think you'll want to stay away from a transmission built for a lightweight car unless you're going to turn the truck into a dragster...
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
I'm assuming that with a 2wd shortbox and a 340hp engine he's not looking for a work truck capable of hauling a ton of roofing tearoff...
I'm sure the T-5 could be made to work and live for a while if driven right but it's not ideal.
If you have a good T-5 or can get one cheap and that's all you can afford, avoid the powershifts and drag starts. You may get lucky and it'll last for a while, but at the same time I would be saving up for a better trans. The TKO, for a performance application is hard to beat. Your other option is a truck trans. They're going to be slower shifting and probably don't have the optimum ratios for a "performance" truck but they should hold up.
Elder User - What???
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
From: Moore, OK
That's cool to know, thank you. And yes, TKO's are much better.
This space for rent...
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 8
From: In the garage
Welcome to FTE! Either you're a John Waters fan or you like Sonic the Hedgehog or... but this is all I heard when I saw your screen name 
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aQ43Zws-Dso?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="315">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aQ43Zws-Dso?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="315">
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 997
Likes: 2
From: Rock Valley, IA
I just watched the video.... Ummmm... What the heck did I just watch? Looked like a PSA that needed to be on MST3K and brutally made fun of. Was that large woman in a baby crib? Why was she in a baby crib? Who the heck is the woman in the dress? Caretaker? Did the egg man eat paint chips as a child? So many questions... I think I need to go lie down.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I just watched the video.... Ummmm... What the heck did I just watch? Looked like a PSA that needed to be on MST3K and brutally made fun of. Was that large woman in a baby crib? Why was she in a baby crib? Who the heck is the woman in the dress? Caretaker? Did the egg man eat paint chips as a child? So many questions... I think I need to go lie down.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thanks for the replies.And yes ,this is going to be a hot rod truck.I was actually trying to figure out how the trans would line up in the truck as in where would the shifter come up trough the floor.I have used T-5'S in alot of 85-86 Mustang GT's and have never broke one.If I could beef up and change the gearing in the RTS trans in the truck that would also be a viable solution.
