For those of you who have put in the M5OD in your 86 and prior trucks what starter did you use? Can I use the starter that came out of my 85 with the C6?

 

Nope, automatic transmission starters are different from manual transmission starters.

 

Thats what I figured but I thought it couldnt hurt to ask.

 

So should I run with a starter from a 89 F150 with a 351W and M5OD since I pulled it out of a 89 F150 with a 302? I have the 351W currently in my truck.

 

You won't find a 351w with an M5OD in a parts catalog because Ford never made one.

The M5OD wasn't considered strong enough to put behind a 351w. Although I'm almost positive the flywheel teeth are the same so you should be able to get a starter for a 351w and a ZF of the same year.

If I were you I'd be very careful with that transmission.

 

Yeah I plan on it. I got the trans for free so if it blows up it blows up. I am keeping an eye open for a ZF but they are hard to find around here. But like I said you cant beat free.

 

I am doing the same install in my 79 ford truck. I have heard the same about these transmissions. How long do they last? I thought they would be decent since they were bolted to the straight six torque monsters in the F-250's.

From what I have read, one of the big downfalls is from riding with your hand resting on the shift handle. I have a 2wd zf, but have no use for the extreme low first gear. My driving will be mixed city and highway in flat country.

I think if you try to drive it like a mustang, it will not last at all. Should I expect 5,000, 20,000, or more before the transmission lets go?

 

I would advise against the Mazda transmission. You'll break it and have to do the job again with a real transmission. Don't waste any time and money on this. IF you can't find a ZF5 you'd be better off with a NP435, T18 or T19.

 

what are the reasons that they are so bad? Can you elaborate?

 

They are weak. Not sure waht breaks in them but I've had several friends blow them up. They make lots of bad noises, pop out of gear, go into gear but don't move. Surely weak everything, sliders, gears, bearings, syncros, etc. I can tell you the input shaft bearing is weak, every one I've puleld has been sloppy. Just avoid it and save yourself the aggrivation. Like I said, run a 4 speed if you can't find a ZF5, or get spendy and run a NV.

 

I have the T-18, ZF, and the M5OD. My truck will be all street driven. No off road. Can the hydraulic clutch system be used on the older transmissions. I will be driving 4 to 500 miles a week in this truck. All that I found for problems are that the fluid breaks down rapidly, there are 3 plugs that dry up and expel all of the fluid while driving, and the synchronizers go bad from resting your hand on the shifter.

Their are fixes to improve these flaws. I like the idea of the hydraulic clutch, a usable synchronized first gear, and of course a fifth gear overdrive. Don't these other truck 4 speeds have granny lows that make takeoff better from second gear.

I am not trying to be a jerk, just trying to get answers to gain knowledge.

 

Granny gear doesn't matter whether you use it or not. I've had several trucks with 435's and T18's that I never used first. You drive it a lot, so you would prefer to have overdrive, get a ZF5. If it's the truck in your sig pic it looks 2wd, around here they are cheap, only 4x4 ZF5 demands money and even then they can be had for $500 if you're patient.

Seems like you're missing the point. If you have all the time and money to make a Mazda trans strong enough to *maybe* hold up to a 351w then why not spend the money on a decent transmission? Or if you have that cash in hand just drop $2000 and get a NV4500. Holding your hand on the shifter has nothing to do with a Mazda trans. It's bad for any trans and will wear the forks and sliders.

Bottom line is Ford made a mistake using the Mazda in fullsize trucks and beinhd 300 and 302 engines. If babied they'll last, if used as a truck they won't. Definitely will have a limited life behind a 351w, especially if the trans is already used with who knows how many miles and what kind of use. Those transmissions were fine in Rangers and Explorers, not in a full size with a real engine. Take my advice, or don't. It's your truck, your time and your money.

2 Ford Transmissions

Ford Transmission 4 speed with a Granny

 

Why do you seem to take questions as an assault? It may just be me but I tend to read some hostility in your replies. I am not missing any points. I am trying to learn the differences. I think you might read what you want to read. I did not say I was looking for or buying any of these transmissions. I said that I have the mentioned transmissions already. What is the point of having a 5 speed if you can only use four? What is the point of driving a four speed if you can only use three?

If I go by your logic than I should just stick to a three speed manual or boring three speed automatic.

Does anyone else have any answers to the other questions about the transmissions and hydraulic clutch set up? I realize nothing lasts forever and that repairs need to be done. Preventive maintenance does prolong some catastrophic events. I have not made up my mind as to what would be better, but I do have a leaning.

I realize I can not put a mustang five speed in the truck due to shift locations. I realize this is a truck and not a mustang. I also realize that I will be in traffic and would like a little luxury.I have read that the AOD will not hold up against the windsor and that the M5OD will not hold up. Are we really doomed to a c-6 or a 4 speed with three usable highway gears?

I am not building a race truck. I will have a little over 300 horsepower and am looking for dependable, realistic, transportation.

 

hey first today!!


i'm doing the same thing in the next few weeks. so your not the only one.. i guess we will be the Guinea pigs for the m5od and the 351

 

Yeah I figure if I blow up the M5OD then I blow it up. When I got the trans for free why not use it. Itll get me a hell of a lot better mileage than the C6 and even if I do blow it up I am still half way there for the ZF swap since I already have the pedals and such installed.