Hey guys, i was just wondering which transmission my uncles truck has? How can you tell? The only thing the sticker in the door says is trans M. By the way, which tranny is the best? By that i mean which is the most durable and longest lasting. (It's a 95 f150 r/c s/b 302)

 

M=Mazda 5 speed overdrive. The ZF is a better transmission, but the Mazda should handle the 302 just fine unless modified. If you ever have any questions like this, check the Tech Articles, all the answers are there.

 

Also, a Haynes manual from any store is very helpful in learning about the truck.

 

Is it possible that ford used this same tranny in a ranger? My buddy has newer ranger, I think 1998, and his trans code is also M. I didn't think that Ford would use the same tranny for a ranger because of the power difference. He has like 120 stock hp. Anyway if anyone knows if he has the same tranny let me know... Thanks as always... Joe
(I just thought this was cool)

 

yep, im pretty sure their the same transmission

 

Here's the basic info of the Mazda tranny's...

The Mazda that is in your truck, is either called the M5OD (most often) or sometimes the M5R2. The Mazda tranny that's in the Ranger, is a M5R1. It's a similar tranny but, definitly weaker.

Everyone bashes the M5, but I've pushed mine pretty hard and it's been fine. I fairly resently swapped it so now it sits behind a 351. Ford didn't offer it behind the 351. It's got 110k on it and still goin'. I have been on these forums for a long time, and I've seen pleanty of "M5 stinks" comments, but I have NEVER seen anyone on here mention blowing one up under high power being put through it. I've never seen anyone mention the phyiscal limits they've found to be the breaking point. Suppositly, it's rated for 330ft-lbs (saw it in a pretty reputable spot once but forget where). I've seen people talking about them wearing out, but not break one under power. I'm sure that most people just don't bother trying to put a good amount of power through it, but I'd like to think atleast one or two people would have talked about it that i'd of seen. I duno...I remain neutral on the M5.

 

Mustang: thanks for the info. I didn't think it was the exact same tranny, afterall that would be overkill in a ranger, and kinda make the f150 trannies look weak. Thanks again...