M5OD shift fork swap question
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Chillicothe
M5OD shift fork swap question
Haven't been on in forever 14 hour shifts do that lol. I've searched the forum and found the most likely issue with the truck losing first and second to be a bad shift fork. My question is that I have an M5OD out of a 2wd 88 f250 w/302 sitting in my garage. Are the forks and top cover interchangable with my 95 4wd M5OD? I know I should do a full rebuild but with work time constraints that's not possible for awhile and I just need to have it drivable till work slows down. I had to steal the alternator off my backup vehicle for the wifes truck lol so much for a backup ride. Thank you in advance.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
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I believe they are interchangeable, but I don't know it for a fact.
When I went to the upullit for my top cover almost all of them were gone so I ended up grabbing the only one I could find. The shape of the top cover was the same on all of the ones I looked at within our year range if I remember correctly.
I replaced the shift forks in the one I got anyway because I had already ordered them before I discovered the po had managed to bend the shift rods inside the cover.
Southwest gear shows the same part # for 88 to 95 for the forks.
M5R2 Case & Shift Fork
When I went to the upullit for my top cover almost all of them were gone so I ended up grabbing the only one I could find. The shape of the top cover was the same on all of the ones I looked at within our year range if I remember correctly.
I replaced the shift forks in the one I got anyway because I had already ordered them before I discovered the po had managed to bend the shift rods inside the cover.
Southwest gear shows the same part # for 88 to 95 for the forks.
M5R2 Case & Shift Fork
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Chillicothe
I appriciate the quick reply. That's good news cuz we are supposedly gonna get hit with a blizzard and I want to get the truck in the garage before it gets all slushy underneath. I got pretty good at taking off in 3rd but don't want to kill the clutch mastered startin in 4low 3rd and rev matching to hi range ( without gear clash) to get going too but that can't be good either
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: New York
There actually was a minor change in the forks at some point (circa '92) to allow one to be changed without removing both rods. I guess they were failing so often they figured they'd make the procedure easier. It's not a big deal and they're interchangeable - you'll see the difference if you have one of each. I may have posted pics if you do a search on my ID and "fork".
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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You can still get genuine Ford parts from the dealership. I replaced them in my '92 a few years ago...Its not hard, just take your time and keep track of all the springs, ***** and roll pins. Once its all done everything shifts much nicer and the shifter will have a much firmer feel. Made me very happy.
I hate a floppy shifter. <----That's what SHE said!
I hate a floppy shifter. <----That's what SHE said!
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Chillicothe
Before I finish this up is there anything better than regular atf that you guys run in the m5od or don't worry about it and just use the regular atf?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: New York
We put 5W30 synthetic motor oil in every M50D that we built. Hundreds of them. Works way better than ATF.
The absolute best stuff to use in an M50D is Redline MTL or MT90. The stuff is magic.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: New York
Indeed if I full rebuild is required, swapping in a ZF5 could very well be the better answer. Is a new cross-member and/or driveshaft required when doing that?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
oh yeah for sure. i know i did it twice.even swapped out a whole other mazda trans.it's not pricey.im just saying don't put any "real" $ in it when ya can go zf5 for likely even less.
not sure exactly whats required.no doubt all details posted via search here.i didn't get that far.i really over stayed my welcome in the f150 as is (by years making due lol) and just had to go to the larger hd truck anyway.
not sure exactly whats required.no doubt all details posted via search here.i didn't get that far.i really over stayed my welcome in the f150 as is (by years making due lol) and just had to go to the larger hd truck anyway.
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