I heard somewhere that the main problem with the mazda is that it has trouble lubricating itself, making it weaker. Also, the low tow rating is because of the gear ratios, since 1st is so high. But, is there anyway I can make this stronger and able to take about 300hp?


Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.


Justin - One Happy FTE Member

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Oct-02 AT 12:27 PM (EST)]The determining factors in the strength of a gearset are gear center distance, tooth size, heat treatment and the yield strength of the material from which it is manufactured. Ratio is significant only to the extent that numerically high ratios result in smaller and therefore weaker drive gears for a given center distance. Once the tranny is designed, the gear centers are set and it is difficult to impossible to do anything significant about and tooth size. Some gains can be made by better alloys and better heat treatment (this was done on the later T-5 trannies as part of the world class upgrade) but there are limits there as well. You are talking about a 50% or greater increase in load on what is already an undersized tranny. It's simply not going to happen. You're much better off going to a stronger box. If you can live with a 4 speed, a T-19 would be a good choice, if you want a 5 speed, you're looking at adapting a ZF or maybe a Tremec 3550. A lot depends on your rear axle ratio and what you intend to do with it.

 

I've seen posts of people asking about a mazda-ZF converstion and not get a solid answer, so I'm a little worried that that process is difficult. Do you know anything about it?

Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.


Justin - One Happy FTE Member

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Oct-02 AT 06:50 PM (EST)]Both trannies are used behind the same series of engines. Find an F250 donor with the same engine series as yours (300/302/351 all take the same bell housing, PSD and 460 are different) the same number of drive axles (there are differences in the 2WD and 4WD tailshafts) and get everything: tranny, bellhousing, crossmember, clutch assy, etc. You'll probably still have to do some fab work to make things fit the F150 chassis and hook up the clutch hydraulics. In all probability you'll need some driveshaft surgery, you can measure the trannies to find out. I wouldn't expect a bolt-in but it can't be all that complicated either.

 

Would something other than the ZF be better/easier (aftermarket)?
The ZF I believe it shorter, so driveshaft work would be needed but that's no problem. I'm not 100% but I know it's a different length, could be longer but i'm pretty sure it's shorter.

Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.


Justin - One Happy FTE Member

 

I was suggested by someone to fill the tranny to spec with the automatic tranny fluid that it asks for, and then to remove the shifter and fill it from the top with another liter of 80/90. Is that a good idea, i'm just trying to get some more opinions.


Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.


Justin - One Happy FTE Member

 

Run 30w or 40w motor oil. Most tranny companies around here say atf is just not thick enough.

 

Motor oil in a tranny?? Why not gear oil?


Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.


Justin - One Happy FTE Member

 

Motor oil may or may not provide the correct lubrication for a tranny. If the wrong lube is used, he high contact forces between the teeth can cause a breakdown of the layer of lubricant between the teeth leading to excessive wear, spalling and premature failure. A lot of the current generation of trannies are specifically designed for ATF and that is what should be used. A synthetic ATF like RedLine or Mobil 1 will provide much better lubrication than the dino based ATFs. Redline MTL may or may not be an acceptable substitute in a given tranny. Check with them before using. Conventional (i.e. heavy) gear lubes are not suitable for the ATF-specific trannies because they are too hick and will not properly lubricate the very small needlr bearings typically used in these boxes.

 

What do you think of the suggestion to fill with ATF and add some 80/90?


Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.


Justin - One Happy FTE Member