U joints maybe?? please help
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 2
From: Wahpeton ND
Why not just repalce the input and tailshaft seals? They only cost about $25 total.
Take two pair channel lock pliers and grab each side of the U joint. Twist hard. You should look for play in the joint, cups, and see if the clips are there.
Take two pair channel lock pliers and grab each side of the U joint. Twist hard. You should look for play in the joint, cups, and see if the clips are there.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 2
From: Wahpeton ND
Driveshaft length.
The main problom of a ZF swap is the cost. A serviceable ZF for the windsor belhousing pattern around me goes for about 650-850 bucks. A rebuildable core is about 350. A serviceable M5OD is about 400.
The main problom of a ZF swap is the cost. A serviceable ZF for the windsor belhousing pattern around me goes for about 650-850 bucks. A rebuildable core is about 350. A serviceable M5OD is about 400.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
of course i dont know yet if the tranny even is the main problem yet, and since it leaks it might jsut be the plugs on the top that i keep reading about. also what is the difference between the two trannys? what makes the zf better?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 2
From: Wahpeton ND
Much, much, heavier duty.
The ZF was essentialy the replacement for the NP435/T18 transmissions. It has provisions for a PTO wheres the M5OD does not. The ZF has top end oiling probloms however. Leading to 5th and reverse burning out. I belive this is due to an overhead countergear on those gears. The remedy is either add 1qt lucas oil stabalizer to the tranny fluid or remove the top cover and submerge the gears half way in the ATF. The oil was supposed to carry up the mainshaft mounted gears to the countergear. Dosent work too well with that watery ATF.
M5OD ratios are roughly as follows.
3.40
2.05
1.31
1
.79
ZF are
5.72
2.94
1.61
1
.76
M5OD trannys weigh about #80
ZF trannys weigh about #160
Google and compare.
The ZF was essentialy the replacement for the NP435/T18 transmissions. It has provisions for a PTO wheres the M5OD does not. The ZF has top end oiling probloms however. Leading to 5th and reverse burning out. I belive this is due to an overhead countergear on those gears. The remedy is either add 1qt lucas oil stabalizer to the tranny fluid or remove the top cover and submerge the gears half way in the ATF. The oil was supposed to carry up the mainshaft mounted gears to the countergear. Dosent work too well with that watery ATF.
M5OD ratios are roughly as follows.
3.40
2.05
1.31
1
.79
ZF are
5.72
2.94
1.61
1
.76
M5OD trannys weigh about #80
ZF trannys weigh about #160
Google and compare.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 0
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 2
From: North Reading Mass
The leak on the Mazda M50R2 is usually from the plastic plugs located on top near the shifter. Maybe not the best tranny in the world but both of mine went over 200k without issue. The ZF is a stronger unit with better ratios in first and reverse.
Happy Thanksgiving
Thank You Henry
rikard
Happy Thanksgiving
Thank You Henry
rikard