Sorry to dig this up but your saying the M5r2 was bad trans for the 4.9? I was looking over the gear ratios and it seems like the M5 would be better during most driving conditions. I don't tow much and I have been looking at putting in a M5 as the repair of my ZF seems excessive. The M5 would be more than enough trans for a 4.9. You have had both in the same truck it would be nice if you could review it a bit more.

 

I think the M5OD is just fine for the 4.9 if you don't tow. It's basically the same thing that I have on my 300 right now except it has 3 gears in between 1st and overdrive instead of 2, which really helps to keep it in the RPM range. (Mine's the SROD, which is a 4spd OD, the predecessor to the M5OD)

If you tow though (which I don't with my transmission), it's not the best choice since 1st and reverse are known to be high.

 

I can't imagine buying a 4.9 to really get into towing much. I want this to be a daily driver, all weather, occasional trail ride, haul house crap and take the garbage trailer to the trash heap. I have a 401 Jeep and 360 Power Ram that could pull other stuff. I agree the M5 should be great for keeping the r's up in the sweet spot with 5 actual forward useable gears.

 

Ahhh, I disagree. First off, the 300 is a tractor engine, built for towing, if you have the right rear end gears. The main difference (and I don't want to give life to the v8 vs. I6 wars again) is that the 300 produces its torque at a lower rpm than a v8.

I also disagree about the m50d. But that is because I am wanting to put in a new trans. For almost the same price, I can get a ZF 2wd, which is a MUCH stronger trans. I want to be able to tow a load, and with a ZF and a 300, I would never worry. For around town and light hauling, the m50d is fine. But my truck goes beyond that.

 

occasional trail rid

Here's a second to "F250's" above info. For off roadin or the other uses listed above (AB's aside) mazda is not durable. Now don't 4 get I'm the one who continually stresses "application" in all things automotive n that tranny is fine for a "commuter truck". I'd swap the heep or dodger for the 300 as a "worker", keep the others 4 the play/lill' chores. But I don't choose for others 8-} just me.

 

If towing was my gig I would go diesel and a ZF. Not saying anything bad about the 300 as I specificly searched out this truck. I don't have any particular issue with the ZF other than for a trans that is suposed to be bullit proof how could one be so worn behind a 300. I was reading an article today that lugging with a zf will cause damage and I can see since I have the combo that lugging is common with the 300/zf. The gear ratio to me is too wide with 355 difs. If you go to 410 you loose the economy which can be excellent with the 300. Why not just plan ahead and go with a much bigger motor.
Not to argue or put down an excellent motor (300) I just think for heavy work there are better choices. Every situation is different. Your right about the 2wd price but look around at 4wd and compare remans and rebuilts. Around here we are talking 50 to 70% higher. All that said, if you are going to work your 300 like you say I would opt for the ZF and 410 gears. With 355 gears you wont be able to tow anything in 5th gear and bog in 4th on every hill. My truck is wierd as it is all heavy duty except the light duty motor and highway gears.
PS I have worked the tar out of a couple of 300's but when I really needed it I bought a 6bt Dodge. Still enjoy the 300 trucks more on a daily basis. Just checked my quotes the price difference is 100 to 150% higher.

 

I have worked the tar out of a couple of 300's but when I really needed it I bought a 6bt Dodge. Still enjoy the 300 trucks more on a daily basis.

There U said it. Get the same thing outta the 300 (w/right final drive ratio) n pay less 2 fuel it.
After this ol' man's bed time. Gotta run, nice meetin ya. U sound like you got it pretty well right in this 1 man's mind.

Well, 1 last thing:
My truck is wierd as it is all heavy duty except the light duty motor and highway gears.

'Taint weird, wuz 4 a purpose. The 300 is tough. The rig might have been a fleet job. Designed (again my constant proviso/caveat APPLICATION) for tq, durability, haulin, and easy maintainence.
Nite,