I have an 88 f150 with a manual in it. I'm going to convert my bronco to a manual from an AOD. The f150 has a four speed, but I would kind of like to have a 5 speed. The reasoning behind this is that with the four speed i'll be running 3500 rpm at 75mph. I was just wondering what the differences were between the two. Are they the same tranny, different lengths, can you trade one for the other? Wheres the best place to get one? What years did the 302's have 5 speeds behind them?

I will be parting out the 88 f150 after the swap, I'll put the parts that i'm selling in the classifieds.

 

So I've figured out that there are 3 different 5 speeds available in these trucks. M5R2, M5OD, and the ZF 5 speed. From what i've read the m5r2 is a weak tranny. The zf is the toughest, and I couldn't find anything out about the m50d. I'm kind of leaning on going with the m5r2, because it is the cheapest. I'm not planning on using the bronco for hauling anything real heavy. Maybe a boat and some camping gear in the summer. Other then that it is just used to get me to work and back. So what is the weak about the m5r2 tranny? any size difference between it and a 4 speed(not worried about length)? Anything else I should know?

 

The M5OD and the M5OD R2 is a mazda built 5spd built a little heavier for the 1/2 ton. The M5OD is still in existance but it is only installed in rangers now. It isn't a bad tranny if you take care of it and maintain it, but it isnt the Granny 1st gear stump puller of that T-18 in the F150, nor is it the heavy duty ZF 5spd in the F250 and up trucks. It is a great fast shifting transmission that has been in many vehicles over the years, t-bird super coupe, ranger, broncos, and F150s with 302s and 300s. I am not familiar with it but if you do not abuse it, it will do what you ask of it. As for length, I am not positive but I think it is around the length of the AOD/C-6.

 

for the amount of work involved i would go with the zf 5. its stout and trouble free not to mention has the granny low first. I had neighbor that had to get the m5od rebuilt 2 times and it was mated to a 300-6. i would go thru the light duty tranny before installing it. if you get the zf it would need a fluid change and thats probably it.

either way good luck.