I'm going to look at a 88 E-150 equipped with a 351 and a 5-sp manual trans and was wondering which trans was used in these vans. If there were more than one offered, was there a 'bad' one that I should avoid? Thanks for any info and advice. Cheers!

 

A van with a 5 speed MANUAL???? I never knew such a creature existed.

Please take pictures! I'd love to see this. As much as I'd love to put a 5 speed in my van, I can't imagine how one would shift it... and the shifter would eat up too much floor space (I love being able to load 12' boards and still close the doors).

 

A friend used to have an '84 van with a four speed manual. I've never seen one with a five speed manual.

And yes, it had a LONG shifter sticking out of the floor.

 

I also never knew a 5-speed was offered, must be very rare. The transmission code on the drivers side door pillar is "M". Can anyone identify it with this code?

 

I ahd an early 80s D$%&e with a 225 ci and 5 sp.

 

I'm all ears. Let us know what you find out. I've been thinking of the same for a travel van. Thanks, Bob

 

Yes, it's the mazda built M5OD. Drive the snot out of it before you buy, and make sure it shift smoothly. They aren't the best transmissions in the world, but aren;t that bad either.

 

i put a tremec 3550 in my '76 E250. 70 mph=2000 rpm w/4:10 rear.

 

5 speed overdrive manuals were only available on 1988 and 1989 E150s with 4.9L six.
The doghouse has a boot that is easily removable and the shifter comes off by loosening a nut and tightening it back up on the other side of the stud it was on.
The stud is a taper locking type device...
Anybody who has worked on an M5OD knows how it's done.

Ford never put M5ODs behind 351s either.

Guess who was investigating the swap from C-6...

-Jackson-

 

Well, I picked up the van yesterday and it does indeed have the M5OD trans. Seems fine, is quiet and shifts smoothly. What I don't like is too much 'slop' in the shifter but maybe a B&M Shifter will take care of this and give it a whole different feel. Any feedback re the B&M Shifter? Also, how can I determine the gear ratios in this trans? The tag on the side of the case has "Ford E8TA DD 018108".

 

There is a site somewhere for the ratios.. It probably just needs bushing in the shifter to remove the slop. They can be had at almost any parts store.

 

Master pfogle,
Are you aware of any other applications that the M50D trans was used? I have a '89 350/351W/C6, and would like to explore a 4 or 5 speed manual exchange. Any thoughts on the matter?
Loneleader.

 

M50Ds were used in almost all F150 and Rangers throughout the 90's and to present. It is still used with the 4.6. All of the F250s and 350s used the ZF.

If you can solve the crossmember/transmount issues and find a way to install a clutch pedal and linkage it should work fine. Don't recall having seen an M50D behind a 351 but it should do OK unless you regularly haul a very heavy load.

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT

 

Thanks,
Sounds like a fun project.

 

loneleader,
If you're ready for this fun project now, I can sell this van to you for what I paid for it and you'll have everything you need including the crossmember and mount, driveshaft, pedals, etc. I bought it to do the swap into my 80 Chateau shortie that has an FMX auto trans, but I have so many projects now and there's always another project around the corner. Oh, I'll eventually get to it but if you're interested send me an email for more info and pics.