Here's the story...

91 Explorer Sport (4x4)
310K miles on it
original engine and tranny

Transmission is a 5SP (with OD). I'm thinking it's the Mazda M5OD-R1.

A couple days ago on a roadtrip it started talking to me. Whining/ticking under any load, primarily in 3rd and 5th (4th is quiet). Still gets around fine though. Yes, the synchronizer's always been a little rough sometimes.

Given the age and miles, if I decide to do something about it, I figure the best bet is to either replace it with a rebuilt one (M5) or replace it with a different one (any one that fits will do). Although in my research I've found a lot of negative comments about the M5s, I have to say I've been mostly happy with mine. Either way, here's the questions....

Any thoughts on where I can find a rebuilt M5 transmission? Noone locally stocks them and I'm not interested (at least not yet) in pulling one from a junk yard and gambling...although I might. Not interested in a rebuild kit at this point.

If I chose not to replace it with another M5, any thoughts on any other tranny's that would fit with no modifications? Given that a rebuilt M5 seems to be a little tricky for me to find, if there's something else that would fit that's available, I'd consider it.

Do tell. I'm a little attached to the car...maybe a little too much.

Tom

 

Don't be shy.....;-)