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Planning a ZF or M50D swap in my 70 with 302 3 speed now.
What all is involved? M50D is easier to find around here but not as stout as ZF. My bronco is a 70 with glass tub and nose so should be quite a bit lighter then steel so M50 may work fine light trails and mud.
The Mazda trans should be plenty strong unless you're building a fire breathing engine for it. The gear ratios are pretty different though, so that might be a factor. The Mazda trans has closer ratios with tighter splits, the ZF has wider which gives a lower creeper gear, but big gaps in the road gears.
By the way, fun fact that in Ford-speak, "M5OD simply means a manual 5 speed with overdrive, so both the Mazda and ZF transmissions were called M5OD. I don't know why the internet decided to abbreviate Mazda M5OD-R2 to M5OD and the ZF M5OD-HD to ZF...
As to what's required to mount those transmissions, I can't tell you. Both should attach to your engine fine (you'll need to get the small block version of the ZF). I don't know if the Bronco transfer case will bolt right on or not. I'm sure you'll have to do something with the trans mount. There are probably aftermarket options through the vendors, or not too hard to fabricate if you've got those tools and skills.
For what it's worth, I went with an NV3550. It required custom adapters to attach to the engine, but bolted right up to the Atlas transfer case I was putting in. And I made my own trans crossmember. Not suggesting you look down a different path than you're on, just mentioning my experience.
Sorry, I don't know much about the different versions. I knew I was going with an Atlas, so I didn't have as much reason to stay away from J**p trannies and never really looked into the Mazda.
01/18/12, 11:31 PM
not a Mazda F-150 silly... Ford used a Mazda Transmission in the Bronco and F-150 for years from 80 something to the 90's something
Ethansdad73
01/18/12, 11:52 PM
the question has been asked before... but from what i have read here is that its an ok transmission for a stockish daily driver and light off road. I have not seen a write up on anyone doing it or any definative conclusions.
F-150 1988-Up M5R2 Mazda built 5 speed fully synchronized transmission found in 1988 to present Ford F150 series trucks and full size Broncos. Aluminum case, extension housing, and shift cover, with integral bell housing. Very similar in design to M5R1, but larger with shift lever located in center of shift cover. Available in 2 and 4WD versions. 1995 and later models have top cover reverse light switch moved to forward corner of shift cover. In 1996 case is changed to accommodate modular motor (4.6L), with starter bolt pattern being triangular. In 1999 the case was changed for 4.2L 4wd drive vehicles. The case is very similar to earlier style units with case length shorter on 4.6L and 4.2L models.
Ratio:
1st 3.75
2nd 2.32
3rd 1.43
4th 1.00
5th 0.75
backpain
01/19/12, 12:15 AM
Also in s-charged Mn-12 platform Tbird/Cougar. Search M5R2 on this board and you will find more threads
broncnaz
01/19/12, 12:28 AM
Quite a few people are using it. the tcase it comes with wont fit between a broncos frame rails its to big. Some people use a NP205 and I think you can use a ZF adapter to adapt it to a D20. in either case your need driveshafts and crossmember modifications. You'll probably also need to regear the axles to be able to use the OD.\
Ranchtruck
01/19/12, 10:44 PM
It's an OK transmission, but it doesn't have a granny first like the ZF. Couple that with the NP205 that's the only case that will fit in a bronco and bolt directly to the M5R2 and you get a low range crawl ratio almost exactly the same as the 3spd/d20 you have now. That's a lot of work for just an overdrive.
If you spend the $380 to adapt the D20 to the M5R2, then you get a reasonable gearing spread.
Save up for the ZF, they're more common than you think and most go for $3-500 in junkyards.
grant_71
01/20/12, 09:16 AM
The M5OD-R2 will work just fine for a street/ mild off road rig. I would probably not run more than 33's. The reason they get a bad rap is there is a plastic/rubber plug that breaks down over time and allows the fluid to leak out.
As far as being a "weak" transmission that is crap, I have one in a 92 FSB that tows my EB on a trailer regularly and it has never has a single problem with the tranny.
FYI the M5OD-R1 was used in the Bronco II/ranger/Areostar, and is complete crap, I went through 3 in my BII, and they will not bolt up to a SBF anyhow
. ahansen_1985
01/20/12, 10:14 AM
I'm running the m50d outta a 90's f150, with the 205.... Works great, I put new shift forks and slave cyl in way before installing it!...
It does work with your original 3 spd clutch....
You will need to clearance it a little bit to fit the 205, bit it does fit and no adapter is needed,
---
I am here:
1966,351,m5od,205....3.5" lift, 2" body, 35's,
************************************************** ************************************************** **** Mazda transmissions - ClassicBroncos.com Forums
lota glass over there, in fact lotta bronks over there (1 of the premier 'early bronco' sites started by Jeff's Bronco Grave yard in the early 90's. Jeff's has done several custom bronks for Ted Nudgent the roc guitarist'n right of ctr political activist). I bought stuff offa them in the 80s - Michigan, USA
___________________
HTH,
Chad
Whether you go M5OD or ZF it must be from a SBF (assuming you still have a 302/351 in you Bronco). So be looking in 4x4 F-series trucks; F150s have the M5OD and F250/350s have the ZF. There are two versions of the ZF available: the S42 and S47. The gear ratios are slightly different and the S47 is the stronger of the two (both are more than strong enough for a Bronco).
Clutch: You will need a hydraulic clutch. You can source all the parts off the donor truck for the trans, or buy complete kits from many of the Bronco vendors if you want new parts.
Crossmember: As has been mentioned, it's easy enough to make your own if you have the right tools, or you can buy one also from many of the Bronco vendors.
Transfer Case: You can use the stock D20 with an adapter or an NP205 without one. The NP205 has different yokes than the D20 so you need to change the ends of your drivelines, but they need to be lengthened/shortened either way. The adapter for the D20 comes with a bracket so you can use the stock t-case shifter, but twin sticks are really the way to go and JB Fab makes custom shifters for both applications.
Body lift: I've read that it's not required, but it's highly recommended. I have a 1.5" BL and a ZF; it fits, but there's not much extra room.
Clutch: You will need a hydraulic clutch. You can source all the parts off the donor truck for the trans, or buy complete kits from many of the Bronco vendors if you want new parts.
One of the 3 or 4 reasons I went w/the NV3550.
Would like the deeper gear & 2 extra PTOs on the ZF, tho.
Like any Q in the automotive modification choice: What is the final application?
(mall craw, rocks, DD, race, mud, etc) That reveals ALL answers.
AND
the Q must B asked correctly for the correct answer.
Pretty soon U won't have any Bronco left !
Good Luck, keep talkin, we're still here...
05-19-2018, 07:23 AM
