Trans swap question?
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From: I live in Leitchfield, KY
Trans swap question?
Hey guys, I got an '89 F150 with a 300 6 CYL. it has a M5OD in it, the trans needs the synchros and maybe some bearings? My question is I recently found a T5 out of a FOX body style Mustang. I do know that the the bellhousing is the same and the input shaft is the same spline. My real question is would it be possible to use that trans instead of building my M5OD? I'm told that the T5 shifts easier and smoother and I'm told that the M5OD was kind of problimatic?
The main question is are the depths of the bellhousing's the same on these transmissions? And will my hyd throwout bearing work with this trans, since the T5 had a cable operated clutch?
Thanks!! and Happy Easter!
The main question is are the depths of the bellhousing's the same on these transmissions? And will my hyd throwout bearing work with this trans, since the T5 had a cable operated clutch?
Thanks!! and Happy Easter!
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What year and engine Mustang?
4 cylinder, forget it.
Input shaft may be different lenght, requiring adaptor at $150 or so from:
http://www.moderndriveline.com/index.htm
Trans does not care how clutch is worked, as long as it works.
Shifter location, cross memeber, speedo drive and driveshaft length are issues.
Trans will work up to modest loads. Heavier work or towing, rebuild your Mazda or get a ZF
4 cylinder, forget it.
Input shaft may be different lenght, requiring adaptor at $150 or so from:
http://www.moderndriveline.com/index.htm
Trans does not care how clutch is worked, as long as it works.
Shifter location, cross memeber, speedo drive and driveshaft length are issues.
Trans will work up to modest loads. Heavier work or towing, rebuild your Mazda or get a ZF
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the hydrolic setup wont work im not sure what to do about that but like said before the mazda trans is stronger than the t5 not to mention the shifter would come up where the seat is and the driveshaft/zmember would both need to be modified so it would be much easier to rebiuld or replace the m5od or upgrade to the zf5 which is much stronger than both
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From: I live in Leitchfield, KY
I had heard that the M5OD was "weak"??? Let me say first, I DONT tow anything or haul heavy loads at all. This is my first stick vehicle, and I really like it. All but the part about NOT being able to downshift from 3rd to 2nd or 1st unless I'm stopped!!
I do know my clutch needs to be replaced but I know that wont help the shifting problem.
I bought the truck cheap, cause the trans was locked up. The previous owner had not checked the trans oil, and it didnt have ANY in it! The trans was locked up, and I managed to get it unstuck, but now it does have a "whine" at certain speeds and like I said already, I cant downshift. Is this a big job to replace the synchros and maybe some bearings? I found another trans for $300, but the guy dont know anything about it and wont give me my money back if it's bad? What do you guys think?
I do know my clutch needs to be replaced but I know that wont help the shifting problem.I bought the truck cheap, cause the trans was locked up. The previous owner had not checked the trans oil, and it didnt have ANY in it! The trans was locked up, and I managed to get it unstuck, but now it does have a "whine" at certain speeds and like I said already, I cant downshift. Is this a big job to replace the synchros and maybe some bearings? I found another trans for $300, but the guy dont know anything about it and wont give me my money back if it's bad? What do you guys think?
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Sorry, lost my mind. Yea, you need a bell and clutch set up to go T5 due to the M5OD set up, so let's just put that one on the shelf.
OK, so back to what you have. One of the problems with the Mazda box is an oil leak from the top plugs. Sounds like yours is pretty well cooked.
I would not buy a $300 trans with no guarantee. Been there, done that. Just burn the $300 and be done with it.
Can you find a shop that will inspect your box and determine if a bearing and synchro job will do the trick?
Your best bet is to stay with the Mazda box. Can you remove the box and take it to the shop? That way, if they say no deal, you don't have to figure out how to get your now beached whale off their lift and back home....
OK, so back to what you have. One of the problems with the Mazda box is an oil leak from the top plugs. Sounds like yours is pretty well cooked.
I would not buy a $300 trans with no guarantee. Been there, done that. Just burn the $300 and be done with it.
Can you find a shop that will inspect your box and determine if a bearing and synchro job will do the trick?
Your best bet is to stay with the Mazda box. Can you remove the box and take it to the shop? That way, if they say no deal, you don't have to figure out how to get your now beached whale off their lift and back home....
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From: I live in Leitchfield, KY
Yeah, I can take the trans out. I do all kinds of mechanic and fabrication work. I have a lift in my shop too. I just have never worked on a trans before. I'm pretty handy and can fix about anything. I have already fixed the leaking top seals in this trans, and put it all back together. Like I said, I have been driving it for a few hundred miles since I bought it now. When I bought it it was not drivable. Are these synchros and bearings that might be cooked, expensive? Where do you get them? Do yo have to have special tools to work on them?
Thanks for all your help!!
Thanks for all your help!!
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You can get a kit and maybe info:
http://www.drivetrain.com/mazdafordM5r2.html
Confirm model before you order. ( you knew that)
Good luck.
(this was on page one of a google search " transmission rebuild kits" so feel free to look for more vendors. I know nothing about these folks, just a hit off a search)
http://www.drivetrain.com/mazdafordM5r2.html
Confirm model before you order. ( you knew that)
Good luck.
(this was on page one of a google search " transmission rebuild kits" so feel free to look for more vendors. I know nothing about these folks, just a hit off a search)
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if the trans was locked up i would be alittle weary of continuing to use it because the damage has been done the rebiuld kits are pretty cheap that should fix your downshifting but there could be other problems once you open it up
in my opinion the mazda 5spd is pretty strong definitly stronger than a t5 i have a m5r2 in my 92 and it works great and shifts fine not as easy as a t5 but its a truck so i dont expect it to and i beat on it pretty bad
in my opinion the mazda 5spd is pretty strong definitly stronger than a t5 i have a m5r2 in my 92 and it works great and shifts fine not as easy as a t5 but its a truck so i dont expect it to and i beat on it pretty bad
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From: I live in Leitchfield, KY
Are you saying that the case might not be rebuildable? Are there parts that dont come with the rebuild kit that are not available? Like I said before, when I got the truck, the trans was stuck, but as soon as I put fluid in it and drove it down the driveway and smashed the brakes and NOT the clutch, it freed right up. It just makes a slithg noise goin down the road? I'm thinking its the input bearing? I put freeze out plugs in the shifter rail and sealed them from the inside and out. Now it dont leak and it shifts pretty good. Every once in a while it acts up and I cant go from 1st to 2nd taking off and I have to go to 3rd, but not often?
One more thing? Whats the difference between the M5OD and the M5R2? Are they same or what? Also what did they mean about the "updated" 5th gear and reverse synchros? Is this something I should do when rebuilding? Is this a good place to buy parts from? Do you think they might have a book to help guide me through this process?
THANKS AGAIN guys!
One more thing? Whats the difference between the M5OD and the M5R2? Are they same or what? Also what did they mean about the "updated" 5th gear and reverse synchros? Is this something I should do when rebuilding? Is this a good place to buy parts from? Do you think they might have a book to help guide me through this process?
THANKS AGAIN guys!
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M5OD: Generic term for Mazda 5 (speed) Over Drive trans.
M5R2: Model designation, designates trans for F150/Bronco vs. M5R1 for Exploder/Ranger.
When/if you replace or order parts, get numbers off the trans, provide all info regarding year, model, engine, and you should be good.
If the trans functions now but is hard to shift, makes noise, I think the rebuild with bearings, seals and synchros should fix that. Broken case issues, while not impossible in your case, usually result in more dramatic symptoms. If you find it to be junk upon teardown, you still have the rebuild kit to freshen up the junkyard box you get next.
M5R2: Model designation, designates trans for F150/Bronco vs. M5R1 for Exploder/Ranger.
When/if you replace or order parts, get numbers off the trans, provide all info regarding year, model, engine, and you should be good.
If the trans functions now but is hard to shift, makes noise, I think the rebuild with bearings, seals and synchros should fix that. Broken case issues, while not impossible in your case, usually result in more dramatic symptoms. If you find it to be junk upon teardown, you still have the rebuild kit to freshen up the junkyard box you get next.
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Posting Guru
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From: I live in Leitchfield, KY
Hey thanks man!! one more question though? What about the ZF trans? Someone suggested that I look into swapping out for that one? What did it come in and would it fit? I NEVER tow anything, and DONT haul heavy loads. I just use it for hauling engines and misc parts and things. I dont really need a TANK hauling transmission. Thanks again!!!
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the zf5 was used in f2/3/450s from 87 to 97 its much stronger than the mazda but the gear ratios are better for towing it has a creeper 1st which isnt really usable on the street unless on a steep hill i usuallt start out in second with mine
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Posting Guru
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From: I live in Leitchfield, KY
Thanks for the info!! I'll probably just have mine rebuilt. It has lasted for 150,000 miles with the previous owner towing a trailier of some sort and a topper type camper. I just bought it and I love the truck, I'd just like to be able to downshift right.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
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From: H/Lk. & S.E. Michigan
zf 5 mating ?
Don't want to steal the thread but it seems the place to ask a ? if I may.
I have a 78" F-350, 4sd, 351M400, will a zf mate to this engine ? and what #s would i need to know to be sure i'm getting the correct trans.
Thanks for your help.
I have a 78" F-350, 4sd, 351M400, will a zf mate to this engine ? and what #s would i need to know to be sure i'm getting the correct trans.
Thanks for your help.