Hey all, I just bought an M5OD-R2 from the local jy to replace the shot AOD in my F-150. I want to pull the tower off to inspect the shift forks. What I need to know is does the tranny have to be in any particular gear or neutral to pull the tower? Also can the plastic plugs be replaced with a regular metal type plug, or does Ford offer a special plug for them? Thanks for the info!

 

Here is a link to the article about how to reseal the transmission shift plugs:

M5OD Mazda Design Manual Five Speed Transmission Preventative Measure .: Articles

(found it here under the article page)

And a little side note about the article above:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...e-caution.html

If you want to do the plug conversion to the steel type, call Southern Gear 1-800-789-7432. These guys are local to me and are some of the best in the biz when it comes to the M5OD.

Good luck.

 

Thank you for the links, Mike that is exactly what I needed to know.

 

I dont know why everyone says to put the tranny in 1st to remove the shifter, but every time that i remove the shifter and tophat i end up in neutral.

The problem is the centering spring. When you place the tranny in 1st it compresses the pin and slides the top of the shift rail backwards. Then you remove the shifter and it allows the spring to pop out. And because the rail is slide back and the spring is in the way you cant get the shifter back in.

The only reason they want to leave it in gear is so there is less of a chance of getting it into 2 gears at once.

You can try leaving it in 1st, and maybe youll have better luck then me. I always end up forcing it into neutral with a screwdriver.

Good Luck

 

I just realized the second article above covers the issues i was talking about.

Good Luck

 

I called the local Ford dealership yesterday looking for replacement plugs for the shift tower. They told me that they no longer carry parts for the M5OD. Can I just use a metal freeze plug of the correct size?

 

lectricman - I don't know if freeze plugs will work or not, but that is exactly what the metal plugs look like. I'm guessing yes - but I would hate to guess on something like that.

 

Yes, Southern Gear offers a "kit" exactly for that. I think that they were the ones who first starting doing that on all their rebuilds of M5OD's

 

I figured they put the rubber ones there for a reason. Maybe because they cushion the shift rails???, I really dont know. I do know that the metal plugs on the front are the perfect size for a dime thats been hit with a hammer. But for some reason mine keep poping out. Time for a ZF-5

 

The part you want is made by Dorman 555-108

Comes in a pack of 10.

You need to shop around for the lowest price.
Any company that sells Dorman products should be able to
get the part for you.

Summit Racing has them.

Dorman 555-108 - Dorman Freeze Plugs - Overview - SummitRacing.com

 

Thanks for all the help, I'm calling my local transmission shop tomorrow to order the parts. I need a top gasket and output shaft seal as well. I pulled the top off the tranny this afternoon and was pleased to see that the inside looks like brand new. The input shaft turns smoothly in every gear and it shifts easily. I think I got lucky and picked a good transmission.