Need M5OD Advice
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Homestead, FL USA
Need M5OD Advice
I just dropped my truck off at the mechanics shop where I work. They will be able to drop the M5OD but will likely not be able to repair it. To our ears we think there are some damaged bearings in the transmission. I am assuming this means a total rebuild of this unit. Here are my questions. Assuming a total rebuild is in order about how much should this cost (ballpark figures) and any suggestions to places to bring the removed transmission to have it worked on? Places to avoid? Am I better just going to Auto-Zone or something like it and taking a rebuilt unit and using my transmission as a core? For the record my truck has been a commuter all its life and has never been used to tow things or as a work truck. Therefore I am of the mind that my transmission might have less wear than one that came off a work truck and was rebuilt. Any advice would be appreciated!
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,734
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From: Sunny Florida
Those trannys have two small plastic pieces on the top of the trans and they go bad causing the trans to loose fluid at a slow rate. This could have been the cause of the failure. I have only read this info and have not experienced it myself.
I have seen people selling these trannys cheap and if you have a 4X2 then you should be able to find one cheap. The 4X4 set up is a little harder to find. The core shop near me sells them rebuilt for around $500, if I recall correctly. Ebat is a good place to see what the tranny builders are selling rebuilt units for. Don't forget you would having shipping costs on the new trans and maybe even on the core trans to them so it may still be cheaper to have yours repaired.
I have seen people selling these trannys cheap and if you have a 4X2 then you should be able to find one cheap. The 4X4 set up is a little harder to find. The core shop near me sells them rebuilt for around $500, if I recall correctly. Ebat is a good place to see what the tranny builders are selling rebuilt units for. Don't forget you would having shipping costs on the new trans and maybe even on the core trans to them so it may still be cheaper to have yours repaired.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Homestead, FL USA
RTM,
Thanks for the feedback. I am fairly certain the transmission is toast and will, at the very least need rebuilding. I cannot find rebuilt transmissions in Florida for under $900. Does anyone out there have a specific place, name or address I can go to get a rebuilt transmission for quite a bit less than this? I really only have about $500 or so to put forward on this project. Anyone? Please!
Thanks for the feedback. I am fairly certain the transmission is toast and will, at the very least need rebuilding. I cannot find rebuilt transmissions in Florida for under $900. Does anyone out there have a specific place, name or address I can go to get a rebuilt transmission for quite a bit less than this? I really only have about $500 or so to put forward on this project. Anyone? Please!
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,734
Likes: 38
From: Sunny Florida
Try http://car-part.com/ You can select by state and by specific model/part.
Are you looking for a 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive trans?
Are you looking for a 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive trans?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Homestead, FL USA
Originally Posted by RTM
Try http://car-part.com/ You can select by state and by specific model/part.
Are you looking for a 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive trans?
Are you looking for a 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive trans?
I am looking for 2 wheel drive. I just looked at ebay, on your suggestion, and have a question. I have a 1994 4.9L F150. The truck is not in front of me so I cannot look at it. Would that year and size engine take the M5OD or the M5R2? From what I am seeing on ebay it appears the M5R2 is the correct transmission with the M5OD being for the Ranger. Is this correct? I will check out the link you provided.
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Senior User
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From: Homestead, FL USA
By the way I am fairly certain the bearings on my transmission failed due to the use of gear lube and not ATF. The kids at school who are taking it off for me (under the supervision of our shop teacher) report to me that the lube came out black and burnt smelling. Albeit the transmission has 170,000 miles on it I would not expect it to fail like this until much later. I had the clutch replaced last year and gear lube was put into the transmission in place of ATF. It failed about 4,000-5,000 miles later. Maybe it was just its time to fail or maybe it was the lack of ATF. We shall see when we get it off. Is it possible to rebuild the transmission at home with normal tools or will I need some huge press to get the bearings in place?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sunny Florida
If there was gear oil in that trans then that's for sure the reason it failed!!!!!!!!
As for which trans you need? I have no clue what the difference is between the two you mentioned. I have always been under the impression that the M5OD was the 150 trans. The only difference I know of is a pre 92 trans will have a speed-o cable hook up as 92 and later have the VSS sensor for the electronic speed-o located on the rear axle. if you did get one with a speed-o cable hole just plug it.
As for which trans you need? I have no clue what the difference is between the two you mentioned. I have always been under the impression that the M5OD was the 150 trans. The only difference I know of is a pre 92 trans will have a speed-o cable hook up as 92 and later have the VSS sensor for the electronic speed-o located on the rear axle. if you did get one with a speed-o cable hole just plug it.
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Senior User
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From: Homestead, FL USA
Can the M5OD be rebuilt by the home mechanic with normal tools? Where would one obtain the parts to rebuild it?
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Homestead, FL USA
Yeah that is what I reckoned. I have found a company selling what looks like a pretty complete rebuild kit for my transmission. Again, my questions; can the M5OD be rebuilt with normal tools or are special tools, presses, etc needed to take it apart, etc? If it can be rebuilt with normal shop tools like would be found in a home shop I would like to buy the kit and take a shot at having it rebuilt by the kids at work. Any suggestions?PLEASE?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,734
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From: Sunny Florida
I can't promise when I can look at my book that I bought that shows you how to rebuild trannys. If I have time tonight I will take a look at it for you. I know the ZF trans needs a couple of special tools but I never read the M5OD trans.
I also would be prepared to find the trans in worse shape than you think it will be. Depending on how hot those bearing got they could have done more damage to major components not included in a rebuild kit. I would take it apart first then go from there.
I also would be prepared to find the trans in worse shape than you think it will be. Depending on how hot those bearing got they could have done more damage to major components not included in a rebuild kit. I would take it apart first then go from there.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Northwest
You can also retrofit a T-18 4 speed. Might be cheaper. Not sure but you might have to modify clutch hookup.
What on earth was Ford thinking when they put a 5sp in a big truck WITHOUT a granny low first gear ?
I had a 92 F150 with the I-6 and M5od with 2.75 rear. Best engine Ford ever made, but was worthless as a truck with the M5od and freeway gears.
What on earth was Ford thinking when they put a 5sp in a big truck WITHOUT a granny low first gear ?
I had a 92 F150 with the I-6 and M5od with 2.75 rear. Best engine Ford ever made, but was worthless as a truck with the M5od and freeway gears.
