m5od
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 2
From: Prairieville, La
I am doing the same type of install as champers. I am using a 74 351w. What are the pro's and cons of this transmission. I am looking forward to a hydraulic clutch and 5 speed. I know that this is lighter duty than the ZF but it does not have the low first gear that the ZF has. I will not be hauling heavy loads. I will be pulling a 4x8 trailer with between 5 to 800 pounds at times. Any input would be helpful.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 27
From: NJ
Just a realist who's been there and done that. Clearl you're looking for someone to tell you that Mazda trans will hold up fine in a full size truck with a 351w pulling a small trailer. Like I siad, your truck, your time, your money. Feel free to waste it as you see fit.You want it, you got it. ... Thoe Mazda trans are great, cheap and tough. Stand up to any abuse on road or off. Go ahead and run it. No trouble, no problem, you should get at least 200k out of it.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 2
From: Prairieville, La
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,593
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From: Prairieville, La
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
The M5R2 is a decent unit if maintained properly. Rebuild it before you install it, with new synchros, especially if there is evidence of oil leaking from the plugs on the top cover, or it smells at all like gear oil. Only run ATF in these transmissions, gear oil will kill the pocket bearing and damage the synchros in a short time.
The M5R2 is not a transmission to be used in a hot rod, but will handle a little bit of power. It was the heavy-duty trans option on Thunderbird Supercoupe, so if Ford says it's better than a T5 I'll go with that.
The M5R2 is not a transmission to be used in a hot rod, but will handle a little bit of power. It was the heavy-duty trans option on Thunderbird Supercoupe, so if Ford says it's better than a T5 I'll go with that.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
I had a 1990 F150 SWB XLT Lariet I ordered new- 300/5sp, handling package, 3:55 gears, rated to tow up to 6000 lbs. I periodically towed my 65 mustang to events.....long distance, freeway even up the I5 grapevine, incluiding the trailer (tandem axle w/brakes) the gross weight was 5,000 lbs....IMHO:
1. It towed, handled and braked well even at freeway speeds (yeah i cheated running up to 70 mph when the freeway was clear of cars)
2. I would not want to tow more than that though.
3. Traveling up the grapvine (6% grade section), it ran very well, gas pedal 2/3'd down, and maintained 55 mph in 3rd gear (with the AC on)...did not have to downshift from 4th until I was at the last 1/3 of the hill.
4. Running 65 mph (relatively flat ground), I avg 22-25 mpg.
I sold the truck in 2006, with 116,000 miles. For maintenance I dumped the trans fluid every 30k. The only issue I can ever say was I went through water pump bearings about every 40k miles- somewhat typical for these engines.
1. It towed, handled and braked well even at freeway speeds (yeah i cheated running up to 70 mph when the freeway was clear of cars)
2. I would not want to tow more than that though.
3. Traveling up the grapvine (6% grade section), it ran very well, gas pedal 2/3'd down, and maintained 55 mph in 3rd gear (with the AC on)...did not have to downshift from 4th until I was at the last 1/3 of the hill.
4. Running 65 mph (relatively flat ground), I avg 22-25 mpg.
I sold the truck in 2006, with 116,000 miles. For maintenance I dumped the trans fluid every 30k. The only issue I can ever say was I went through water pump bearings about every 40k miles- somewhat typical for these engines.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 4
From: Harrisburg, NE
with 190k, I don't complain:
and yeah thats my little f150 pulling a cummins dodge...
however I don't recommend it, cause i didn't go far and i didn't go fast, i just did it cause it was that or my buddies truck got towed. but i still got it done.
however I haved towed many and many of cars behind it without any problems (i bought it then drove 100 miles back home with my capri on a 16') just treat it well and it will do the same for you.
also keep in mind that if you are converting from an auto, you will want the flywheel that is a 28oz and not the 50oz balance
and yeah thats my little f150 pulling a cummins dodge...
however I don't recommend it, cause i didn't go far and i didn't go fast, i just did it cause it was that or my buddies truck got towed. but i still got it done.
however I haved towed many and many of cars behind it without any problems (i bought it then drove 100 miles back home with my capri on a 16') just treat it well and it will do the same for you.
also keep in mind that if you are converting from an auto, you will want the flywheel that is a 28oz and not the 50oz balance
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