I have visited this page several times and have read many of the threads. I think it is the best Forum out there for Blue Oval Lovers. I have a 2001 Regular Cab, XL (71k miles) with a 4.2L V6 and a 5 Speed. Ever since I bought it new in 2001, I have had trouble with the gearbox. At red lights, I sometimes can not get it into first gear easily and while on the highway, it sometimes grinds in 2nd and 4th Gear if I am shifting quickly. I have a good foundation on car knowledge but know nothing about trannys and such. Other than me driving it like a Mustang, please let me know what you think might be the problem. Thanks!

 

I kinda have the same problem in my '99. When im stopped in neutral and put it into 1st it sometimes won't go unless i shake the shift **** back and forth and then go from 2nd to 1st. I took it to the dealer and they told me that it was normal and that all f-150s have large syncronizers so it kinda makes it hard to get into gear. I have heard that if you change your transmission fluid and put in Royal Purple Syncromax fluid it will help you shift smoother but i havn't tried it.

 

F1,
welcome to FTE! Yep, it's the best!
What you are experiencing is "normal" for the Mazda M5OD manual transmission.
You just about can't get it into first gear unless you are stopped. Try slipping it into second and then first and it will go much easier.

See you 'round.

 

As far as the grinding goes, I think that's just our tranny for ya. I have 13000 miles on my truck and it's a 2003 4.2. It grinds into 4th gear when accelerating and shifting fast.

 

Thanks. At least I know it is not just me. Eventually, I would like to do some preliminary runs in it's current virgin status and then gut it to make a really mean street sleeper.