M5OD tranny problems, Why so many?
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 59
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From: Virginia
M5OD tranny problems, Why so many?
This is just more of a curiosity question more than anything. I have the M5OD tranny on mine, but I haven't had any problems (knock on wood). I was just wondering what makes these trannies so bad? Also what are usually the most common symptoms of these trannies failing? so I start to know ahead of time if mine is starting to go. And I was wondering if The ZF tranny would bolt right up if I ever need to replace mine, I dont think I would want another m5od just because of the bad rap they have gotten. Thanks for all replys.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Niether, Borg warner made their own transmissions. The Mazda is a mazda, and the ZF is made by ZF Industries, Inc. There is no relation to each other. Borg-warner made the T-5, T-10, T-18, and T-19 trans that went into ford cars and trucks from the 70's to today. I belive that the 6-spd mustang trans is a borg warner, called the T-65 or T-56, can't remember for sure. FYI, The NP435 4-spd and the NP-series of t-cases were manufactured by New Process Gear. They supplied many OEM's with trans and t-cases from the late 60's to mid-late 80's. Dodge was the major user of NP trannies and t-cases. NP still produces a large variety of trannys, but are more aimed at the heavy duty side, (dump trucks, school buses, Off highway machinery. Example: NP435 4 spds were install in many school buses during the late 70's. The trans was nearly indestructible. At the same time, installed in our late 70's fords and dodges. 1/2 ton to 5 ton in size. One H- E - double hockeysticks, of a tranny.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Still under the hood in O
Speaking of T-cases....
A friend of mine just had his freeze up solid. I don't know which one it is but his truck is an '89 XLT with the AOD. Cost him $500 for a used one (I think he got ripped myself).
He found out it really does help to have fluid in them. :-(
A friend of mine just had his freeze up solid. I don't know which one it is but his truck is an '89 XLT with the AOD. Cost him $500 for a used one (I think he got ripped myself).
He found out it really does help to have fluid in them. :-(
Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 692
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From: Coon Rapids, MN
The M5OD mostly has lubrication problems. As long as you keep fluid in it, they are actually quite tough and will yield a long life span as a general rule. The ZF is better in terms of brute strength, but neither of them are like an iron case 4 speed, but certainly enough for an F-150 truck. The 3 shift rail plugs located on the top of the tranny seem to be the culprit for leaking. I have about 105-110k on mine and its going strong. And that is behind a built up 351.
For the transfer case, it will be an aluminum cased Borg Warner 1356. It seems to be very proven behind F-150 - F-350 trucks both gas and diesel.
For the transfer case, it will be an aluminum cased Borg Warner 1356. It seems to be very proven behind F-150 - F-350 trucks both gas and diesel.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 103
From: Ashland City, TN
bleh, i'm lost.
I'm just trying to figure out which slave i need for my truck.
Cause there is one for borg warner, and one for some other one.
I'm just trying to figure out which slave i need for my truck.
Cause there is one for borg warner, and one for some other one.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Coon Rapids, MN
If you have a 5 speed trans in an F-150 with a 302 you will have the M5OD. I guess there was a few rare instances were an F-150 ever had the ZF, but few and far between. Any parts counter will be able to guide you in the right direction. There is no borg warner 5 speed, so that narrows it down. The M5OD uses an internal slave cylinder, unlike the borg waner 4 speed which uses an external slave. You will have to remove the transmition in order to replace the slave on your truck.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 272
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From: Grande Prairie, AB
This is Bull*****
I got a '93 Ford Truck with the M5OD, the shift forks wore out where the actual metal to metal sychro connection is to the shift tower, Im going to get a welder to build it up and Im going to run it like that... Regardless what Im doing with it I will have to pull the tranny again so basically its a test. Im going to put a 5.0 HO paired with this M5OD setup. Im also going to make it a 4wheel drive unit. I hear its easy to do and fits all trucks from 81 - 96. I would love to see the truck completed. Has anyone ever done that? I mean there is 302 non HO, and its only 185 HP, a 5.0 HO runs a good 250HP with a good exhaust system and compression is up. I think Im goign to put a gasket set in and relap the valves, open the intake a bit more, run 351 injectors and a half decent exhaust system. I figure 280, hard to say... But this is going to be done, any pointers? I dont think the M5OD will stand up to it... It doesnt seem strong enough, but whatever the case Im going to tear some new ***
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 103
From: Ashland City, TN
Fordpartsonline has this listed for your truck.
Napa has one listed but it cost's $125
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Autozone has slave for 30, and clutch master for 60.
but when my buddie looked up the parts for the slave. He said all that was listed was one for the borg warner, and some other one. i'm guessing M5OD.
I'm hopeing i have the ZF then, cause i'm not touching a transmission.
Now as for lubrication problems, i think this guy let it go a little which really sucks.
I can pretty much go find a ZF and bolt it right in can't i?
Napa has one listed but it cost's $125
-------------------------
Autozone has slave for 30, and clutch master for 60.
but when my buddie looked up the parts for the slave. He said all that was listed was one for the borg warner, and some other one. i'm guessing M5OD.
I'm hopeing i have the ZF then, cause i'm not touching a transmission.
Now as for lubrication problems, i think this guy let it go a little which really sucks.
I can pretty much go find a ZF and bolt it right in can't i?
Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Coon Rapids, MN
Im pretty sure it will withstand those numbers from a 302, at least for a good while if taken care of. I am running about 300HP through mine and its held flawlessly so far. Mind you, this is a 351 with a very respectable torque curve, the leading killer in transmitions. There really isn't any mods I know of for the M5OD, and I really couldn't think of a reason for one because I don't think the case has the strength to handle any more HP than what it can in stock trim. If it goes out, it goes out. Mine already has over 100k on the clock. I was thinking of swapping in an auto next summer, but im almost curious how long this thing lasts. 
BTW, that ZF (small block bellhousing only) still has an internal slave. No matter which 5 speed you have, you will not get away from removing it!
BTW, that ZF (small block bellhousing only) still has an internal slave. No matter which 5 speed you have, you will not get away from removing it!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 103
From: Ashland City, TN
YOu can mount it on the outside if you absoultly wanted too, by createing a bracket and running the line.
But thats the best i can think of.
and since a 302 is a small block, its not a big deal.
i'm definatly going to go find a ZF for my truck.
I read last night that the mazda m5od tranny actually was built to take auto transmission fluid.
I got oil in mine right now. Was told it makes it quiet, I think the guy who had the truck befoure me let it go.
But thats the best i can think of.
and since a 302 is a small block, its not a big deal.
i'm definatly going to go find a ZF for my truck.
I read last night that the mazda m5od tranny actually was built to take auto transmission fluid.
I got oil in mine right now. Was told it makes it quiet, I think the guy who had the truck befoure me let it go.
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