manual trans thread
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Near Los Angeles
manual trans thread
I am gathering info on various manual trans that go well with the 300. It would be helpful to get the pros and cons, what is preferred and why.
I'm looking for a trans that is reliable, doesn't shy away from hauling, and with a good o/d for mpg. I currently have a c6.
Thanks.
I'm looking for a trans that is reliable, doesn't shy away from hauling, and with a good o/d for mpg. I currently have a c6.
Thanks.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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ZF as found in '87 and up F250 and larger.
The Mazda trans is also installed in F150s of those years, but is not as strong and has a tall first gear. Only if you have very short axle gears would a Mazda be OK for up to medium haulage....
As for an automatic, you are limited to the AOD. '88-'93 models have most of the many problems corrected. You must find one from a V8 or truck. These can be beefed up, but not for free...
An E4OD would be stronger, but is huge, expensive and requires a controller.
The Mazda trans is also installed in F150s of those years, but is not as strong and has a tall first gear. Only if you have very short axle gears would a Mazda be OK for up to medium haulage....
As for an automatic, you are limited to the AOD. '88-'93 models have most of the many problems corrected. You must find one from a V8 or truck. These can be beefed up, but not for free...
An E4OD would be stronger, but is huge, expensive and requires a controller.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
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From: Boise, Idaho
Mechanical Clutch:
T18/T19/NP435
Pros:
Cast Iron. Heavy Duty. Low granny gear.
Cons:
No overdrive.
SROD
Pros:
Lightweight. Overdrive.
Cons:
No low granny gear. Light duty. Easy to break.
Hydraulic Clutch:
M5RD2 (Mazda 5 speed)
Pros:
5 speed. Overdrive.
Cons:
No low granny gear (just a wider range of normal gears)
High clutch burning reverse.
Light duty.
ZF-5 Speed (Crowning jewel of manual transmissions)
Pros:
Heavy Duty yet lighter weight aluminum.
Low granny gear (although not as low as the T18/T19/NP435)
Overdrive
Cons:
Difficult to rebuild and often requires a highly skilled professional.
T18/T19/NP435
Pros:
Cast Iron. Heavy Duty. Low granny gear.
Cons:
No overdrive.
SROD
Pros:
Lightweight. Overdrive.
Cons:
No low granny gear. Light duty. Easy to break.
Hydraulic Clutch:
M5RD2 (Mazda 5 speed)
Pros:
5 speed. Overdrive.
Cons:
No low granny gear (just a wider range of normal gears)
High clutch burning reverse.
Light duty.
ZF-5 Speed (Crowning jewel of manual transmissions)
Pros:
Heavy Duty yet lighter weight aluminum.
Low granny gear (although not as low as the T18/T19/NP435)
Overdrive
Cons:
Difficult to rebuild and often requires a highly skilled professional.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,968
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From: Greater Austin, Texas
Get the ZF if you don't mind converting to hydraulic clutch. The 300 pulls well off idle against the 2nd gear you are going to be starting out in (since it has a granny first). 2nd gear in the ZF is taller than 1st in the Mazda.
The Mazda is OK if you find one cheap, the ZF mostly costs more and is harder to find, but having the granny when you need it is awful handy.
The Mazda is OK if you find one cheap, the ZF mostly costs more and is harder to find, but having the granny when you need it is awful handy.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
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M5OD-R2 Mine is an 88 model has an internal slave cylinder, but I hear if ya get one a bit earlier you can go external slave. That would be handy.
Also the mazda transmission is prone to leak out of the shifter rail rubber plugs after awhile. Make sure to install brass plugs in them before install. Mines not running yet but it was an easy install 2wd version. The 88 also has dual speedo output, speedo cable and speed sensor wires for cruise control.
Also the mazda transmission is prone to leak out of the shifter rail rubber plugs after awhile. Make sure to install brass plugs in them before install. Mines not running yet but it was an easy install 2wd version. The 88 also has dual speedo output, speedo cable and speed sensor wires for cruise control.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
Get the ZF if you don't mind converting to hydraulic clutch. The 300 pulls well off idle against the 2nd gear you are going to be starting out in (since it has a granny first). 2nd gear in the ZF is taller than 1st in the Mazda.
The Mazda is OK if you find one cheap, the ZF mostly costs more and is harder to find, but having the granny when you need it is awful handy.
The Mazda is OK if you find one cheap, the ZF mostly costs more and is harder to find, but having the granny when you need it is awful handy.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,968
Likes: 595
From: Greater Austin, Texas
Mine's a 3.08, still pulls away in 2nd even with a trailer behind me. The Six likes a lot of gear.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Lawrence Swamp
Don't 4 get NV 3550 & 4500 - for 5 speeds.
I have ratios for these and other trannys if interested with preferred donner vehicles/yrs.
The New Venture 4500 is the heaver duty of the 2 (I may have the 'numbers' wrong).
I have ratios for these and other trannys if interested with preferred donner vehicles/yrs.
The New Venture 4500 is the heaver duty of the 2 (I may have the 'numbers' wrong).
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
Definitely worth looking into though if you're already going to be spending money on a transmission swap.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,192
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From: Near Los Angeles
Well I certainly need to think about all this information, and whether I actually want to swap. The ZF S5 would be a good choice. What a combination adding a Gear Vendor to that, like a semi but with 10 forward gears, high and low in each of the 5. With final rear ratio being less than 2.0 with double overdrive.
All it takes is money. I would need: change the drive shaft, surface the flywheel, trans, rebuild the trans, cross member, possibly cut/add/change the trans well, clutch, clutch pedal and dash brace.
All it takes is money. I would need: change the drive shaft, surface the flywheel, trans, rebuild the trans, cross member, possibly cut/add/change the trans well, clutch, clutch pedal and dash brace.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,192
Likes: 384
From: Near Los Angeles
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
The 300 needs a manual transmission. My Bronco 300 with a manual will leave behind my brother's Bronco 351 with a C6.
I've often thought about what it would be like to have a GV on the back of a manual trans. Unfortunately, the Bronco's are just too short for one (rear driveshaft is around 33" extended) so I can only dream.
I've often thought about what it would be like to have a GV on the back of a manual trans. Unfortunately, the Bronco's are just too short for one (rear driveshaft is around 33" extended) so I can only dream.