tranny ?
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tranny ?
hello, i have a question. i have a 78 f-150 with 300 & 3speed and 3.73s i'm thinking about a mazda 5 speed, has anyone done this? what modifications would i have to do? i believe the m5od has a hydaulic cluth,and the 78 does not so this is the problem i'm facing, what could be done. newbie in this field so any suggestions welcomed.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SE, Michigan
I really won't swap a M50D in there. My 1995 F150 has that trans with a 300. Its an ok transmission for daily driving, but if you do any heavy towing or hauling it would be my last choice. Do you want to gain overdrive by swapping in a new transmission? If your going to swap in a transmission that has a hydraulic clutch you would be better off going with a ZF transmission. Much stronger transmission and you would have a granny first gear and overdrive. Keep in mind the ZF's are more expensive than a M50D but I feel it would be worth it.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Kalispell, MT
from what i've heard and read, the ZF 5 spd is the way to go...the M5OD just isn't built to handle hard use...but as 1982fordf100 said...the ZF is a spendier tranny...but if you want quality, then i believe it's worth the extra money...
MontanaFord
MontanaFord
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From: Chicago
Clutch and lines for hydro clutch, Drive shaft, Bell housing I would assume, Trans mount relocation if it does not line up, and New hole in floor if the origional does not line up. I would assume some skined knuckles, some agervation, and choice words for your truck would be required for the swap. Other then that it's stright foward mait.
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i knew it would be alot of work and money, so now i'm thinking 4 speed but from what i've read on other theads the only options i have is a t-18 or 435 and as i understand it these are just 3 speeds with a granny gear.don't know if this is true or not.what i was going for was a little lower rpms on the hiway, it's a daily driver' very little towing if any and if i did it would'nt be more than 2000lbs. so are there any suggestions. thanks!!
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4 mot
I have the 4 speed mot, looks like the legendary Ford Top Loader.
I hear the Mazda vs. ZF discussion. Since my 4 gear is screeching in 1st and 2nd (shifts ok, stays in gear, no gear whine) I am curious about going to a 5 spd. How are these trannys geared? Is the Mazda like an old 4 speed with OD? Is the ZF like an old 3 speed with a low 1st and OD? If so, does it have the "Grand Canyon" between 3rd and 4th like my 4 speed has between 2nd and 3rd?
I also toyed with an old time top loader, but I think those are rare and very pricey. I think they make a copy call the Jerico, but I'm sure there are no blue light special prices on those.
I can see it now, a $3000 tranny plus a $2500 Gear Vendor OD in the truck I paid $5000 for in 1990....................
Can you advise on the gearings for the Mazda vs ZF????? thanks,
I hear the Mazda vs. ZF discussion. Since my 4 gear is screeching in 1st and 2nd (shifts ok, stays in gear, no gear whine) I am curious about going to a 5 spd. How are these trannys geared? Is the Mazda like an old 4 speed with OD? Is the ZF like an old 3 speed with a low 1st and OD? If so, does it have the "Grand Canyon" between 3rd and 4th like my 4 speed has between 2nd and 3rd?
I also toyed with an old time top loader, but I think those are rare and very pricey. I think they make a copy call the Jerico, but I'm sure there are no blue light special prices on those.
I can see it now, a $3000 tranny plus a $2500 Gear Vendor OD in the truck I paid $5000 for in 1990....................
Can you advise on the gearings for the Mazda vs ZF????? thanks,
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 896
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If you don't do much towing etc have you thought of going with a 4spd like the np and just swapping out the gears in your rear diff for better highway rpms?
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