Trans for the inline 6?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 71
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From: Pineville, Louisiana
Trans for the inline 6?
Ok, i am keeping the inline 6. Now my attention is turning to the transmission behind the inline 6. Its a three speed with the shift on the column. The plans are for this vehicle to be driven on the highway, speeds around 70, to 75.
So I have to figure out if this trans will hold up to those speeds all the time.
Is the three speed worth rebuilding?
Do I replace it with a 5 speed trans?
So I have to figure out if this trans will hold up to those speeds all the time.
Is the three speed worth rebuilding?
Do I replace it with a 5 speed trans?
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 71
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From: Pineville, Louisiana
After doing some more research, I believe the three speed transmission can handle what I throw at it. So I will just rebuild it and drive on. But still looking for any advice anyone is willing to part with. 
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,823
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From: New York
You didn't mention what power you plan on throwing at it, but regardless, people usually have other reasons for going with a 5-speed with a shifter at the tunnel rather than column.
The easiest route will probably be a M5OD, as used in boatloads of trucks through 1996. Conveniently enough, the V8 and 4.9 share the same bell pattern, so you don't even have to worry about the donor coming from behind a 4.9-powered engine, a 5.0 or 5.8 got the same gearbox.
There was also a ZF 5-speed that was used, but as I understand it, that was typically found in 4WD configurations while most of the 2WD got the M5.
The easiest route will probably be a M5OD, as used in boatloads of trucks through 1996. Conveniently enough, the V8 and 4.9 share the same bell pattern, so you don't even have to worry about the donor coming from behind a 4.9-powered engine, a 5.0 or 5.8 got the same gearbox.
There was also a ZF 5-speed that was used, but as I understand it, that was typically found in 4WD configurations while most of the 2WD got the M5.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 71
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From: Pineville, Louisiana
Well at first I was thinking the three speed couldn't handle todays highway speeds. So i was thinking about replacing it with a 5 speed for driveabllity. But if the three speed can handle it than thats the way I will go. Plus it would be nice to keep the shifter on the column and not cut a hole in the floor.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
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From: Boise, Idaho
Both came in 2WD and 4WD, the ZFs are just a heavier duty transmission.
I can't remember, do you currently have a 300 in the vehicle? Or planning on putting one in?
Depending on what engine you currently have in it, your current transmission may not even bolt to the 300.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,293
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From: South central, Minnesota
I prefer the grany low 4spd ( NP435 ) , but I'm just weird!
If you are just using your truck as a driver the 3.03 3spd will be fine.
If you are just using your truck as a driver the 3.03 3spd will be fine.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Denver
LD F-250 = M5OD. HD F-250 = ZF5. 2WD anyway 'cause that's what I have in my LD. IDK about 4WD.
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Pineville, Louisiana
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Albuquerque
if you go with a 5 speed, you can get overdrive which will drop your cruise RPM at freeway speeds. Plus with the lower first gear on the M5R2 you can probably go with even higher rear end gears to effectively get a "double OD". At least that's my plan. The OD will either help with gas mileage or allow me to drive faster. Hmmm... wonder which one I will pick?
TR
TR
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Black Hills of SD
if you go with a 5 speed, you can get overdrive which will drop your cruise RPM at freeway speeds. Plus with the lower first gear on the M5R2 you can probably go with even higher rear end gears to effectively get a "double OD". At least that's my plan. The OD will either help with gas mileage or allow me to drive faster. Hmmm... wonder which one I will pick?
TR
TR
Don't forget there were at least 3 different 4 speeds with 4th overdrive and they will bolt up to your existing bellhousing so the clutch linkage you have will stay the same.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
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From: Boise, Idaho
I guess it's better to say that light duty = M5OD, heavy duty = ZF5.
Not going to find a heavy duty F-150, and you're not going to find a light duty F-350.
Originally Posted by rustywheel68
would i want to run 70-75 without overdrive? no.
