5 spd swap
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From: S. Mississippi
5 spd swap
I'm looking at doing a 5spd swap in my 83 F-150. Right now it has a T-18 4spd in it. I've already got an m5od i think out of either a pickup or ranger, all i should need is a hydraulic clutch setup right? If the trans is from a ranger will it even hold up? I don't plan on doing any towing or hotroding of the truck..i just want something to give me some better mpgs as i'm runnin' down the highway.
Thoughts, opinions, should i stfu?
Thoughts, opinions, should i stfu?
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They have had alot of trouble with those holding up from what I hear. When I asked this question they told me to go with the ZF 5sp out of the F250s and F350s. Just an idea. You might be able to get away with it if you do very little pulling or getting on it.
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From: S. Mississippi
The trans has just been rebuilt, my dad took it out of something he had a few years back. Don't remember what though. I just hope if its a ranger trans it has the SBF bellhousing so it'll work behind my 300.
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The Ranger version won't have the sbf pattern. 4.0 engines do not share the sbf pattern.
One from a F or E 150 will work.
As to their not holding up, as best as I can figure from posts on here, the problem most folks have is oil loss due to the deterioration of the rubber plugs on top of the box. You can replace those with steel plugs and be rid of that issue. As for towing, heavy hauling, the ZF is better with the low first gear and more strength. But behind a 300 in light duty, you're good.
One from a F or E 150 will work.
As to their not holding up, as best as I can figure from posts on here, the problem most folks have is oil loss due to the deterioration of the rubber plugs on top of the box. You can replace those with steel plugs and be rid of that issue. As for towing, heavy hauling, the ZF is better with the low first gear and more strength. But behind a 300 in light duty, you're good.
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From: S. Mississippi
This ranger had a 2.3L 4cyl that ford has had out forever. I just talked to my dad about it and he confirmed it. Would it have the sbf bellhousing? Or for that fact can i put my bell from my T-18 on it?
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The 2.3L has a different bellhousing. All you have to do is find a bellhousing for a SBF from like a mustang and you will be good to go.
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The M5OD is plenty strong for a 1/2 ton truck. I pulled lots of stuff in the neighborhood of 10k when I had one. The fluid leaking out the top will kill it though. Sounds like you need a different tranny from the one you have though. The M5OD and ZF have integral bell housings so you need one from behind a SBF. If you already have a hydro clutch setup, you will need the hose from the donor truck as well. It should connect with the current clutch master cylinder already in your truck. If you have manual linkage, then you need to convert to a hydro setup.
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From: S. Mississippi
I'm going to have to convert the truck from mechanical to hydro if i go foreward with the project. I guess i'm going to have to hit the boneyards to see if i can't find one with a SBF pattern. I was hoping this would work without too many hang ups.
Damn, back to square one.
Damn, back to square one.
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The M5OD is a good transmission - I've pulled a 1600# bass boat for years with my '96 and never had a problem. As said above, the M5OD with the 300 or 302 should be fine.
Change the fluid every 60K and watch the plugs in the top. Since you're a replacement - get the brass plugs and change them out - then you don't have to worry about a leak.
Change the fluid every 60K and watch the plugs in the top. Since you're a replacement - get the brass plugs and change them out - then you don't have to worry about a leak.