pro's and con's of the newer 5 speeds behind a 300 I6

[Anthony]

OK guys... I know there are a lot of opinions out there so here is the place to air them out. since my truck is off the hill and in the garage, it gives me time to dream up the next project. I now have a 4 speed with the "granny" gear which in reality, gives me 3 gears. I am not looking for 32 mpg's out of my Baby but I am looking to get all I can. I have the split exhaust from a 86 300 to go on it and am looking at the aftermarket intake also. I am sure I have read that this will help out a little as long as my foot stays out of the pedal. I am curious to the additional mpg's with the 5 speed instead of the 4 speed granny. will I still be able to tow my camper?? I have the divorced transfer case so I would just need a 2wd transmission and I think I could get one reasonable at one of the local yards...

just thought that on this snowy, cold Saturday I would throw some food out there for thought...

looking forward to everyone's opinions.... thanks

[aarons428]

I hope you have a "you pull it yard" close because around here the junk yards want more money out of used trans than a remaned one.

[Anthony]

http://huntington.craigslist.org/pts/2805356384.html


"Good used 5 speed transmission for ford 95 F150 straight 6, new clutch and press plate.
Can contact Jimmy at 606 " (quoted from ad)

I thought this was reasonable??? or at least around here... I gave $300 for a Chrysler 3 speed auto....

[R Pope]

Lots of '90's pickups have 300's with Mazda-sourced M5R2 overdrives. I put one behind my 351.

[cooter]

with the increased length of the od, the divorced tc might be a problem, maybe find a 4x4 tranny and tc. also i believe the tranny has a hydraulic clutch and the shifter location will probably be different. otherwise this should be a reasonable project

[turtle1056]

you could just get the T5 spacer/adapter off of Ebay, and bolt a car T5 into it.

the later one piece bellhousig style tranny, with transfer case is an option, you just have to use a newer clutch master so the plastic line can be used, then swap in an 80s or 90s clutch pedal to your pedal hanger assembly.

[ICEMAN6166]

anything that requires giving up the divorced gear driven transfer case is a big con in my opinion.

as to trans length if you end up with a connecting driveshaft thats basically a u joint with 2 yokes thats ok.

[Greg D]

The M5R2 is a good unit - they tend to have a shifter seal problem but if you watch so it doesn't run dry you'll be fine.
The M5R2's shifter is in nearly the correct position for our trucks - T-5 is WAY off.
M5 uses a hydraulic release bearing/ slave cylinder combination. Not too difficult to convert you clutch pedal assy for a master cylinder. Line may be a trick though. If I were to run out to buy stuff I would've used the M5.
T-5 is an excellent choice - little more complicated to install.
Divorced T case isn't hard to move - driveshafts can be modded easy enough.

[Bill W]

what about the T170-FT with overdrive from a mid 80's? they came behind the SBF so it would have the same bolt pattern.

[R Pope]

The thing about a SBF trans behind a 6 is the V8's use a weighted flywheel and the 6 doesn't. Your flywheel for the farmer four won't work with the 5 speed.
As far as towing goes, just leave the trans in 4th and it's the same as your 4 speed in High.
My Slick with an M5 looks stock in the cab, the shifter comes up through the same hole as the four speed did. I am toying with the idea of welding the four speed shift lever on the 5 speed stub so it looks completely stock. All the uglies will be covered up by the boot.

[Greg D]

The thing about a SBF trans behind a 6 is the V8's use a weighted flywheel and the 6 doesn't.

Could just have the flywheel rebalanced.
Or of course get one for the 6.

[cooter]

i have removed the weight on a flexplate and had no vibration problems but buying the right one is always the best choice

[Anthony]

I am not trans smart but like to tinker with these ideas...
R Pope, what is the M5 trans out of and is it pretty straight forward on the swap?? I like the idea of the shifter coming through the same hole since I have an aluminum cover for the hump...

Thanks for all the ideas guys...

[R Pope]

Mine came out of a '95 F100 with a 300. You should look for an earlier one with a cable drive for the speedometer, the '95 had an electric speedo drive in the rear end. I had to find an '89 or so to raid the tail stock and gears. Your 4X4 will have the cable coming out of the T-case, though, won't it? So that won't matter. The M5's were used from '88 to about '96 in pickups.
BTW, the V8 flywheel won't fit the six anyway, different bolt pattern.
The M5R2 is all synchro, even reverse! Which is weird, the reverse idler must be turning a zillion RPM at top speed in High!
For you 2WD guys an '88 LTD driveshaft works with the 5 speed, yoke and all. THE 4wd short shaft will have to be cut down, but there should be lots of room without moving the T-case. I don't remember how far back the T case is on a Slick 4X4, so I could be wrong there.

[Greg D]

For you 2WD guys an '88 LTD driveshaft works with the 5 speed, yoke and all.

Long or short bed?
Hmm, wonder how close the length is to a T-5?

[R Pope]

Sorry, should have said mine is a longbed. Maybe a Comet or some such will work on a shorty, I don't know. Just hit the wreckers with a tape measure in hand, like I did, I guess.

[bluebolt]

The M5R2 was also used up through at least 2008 with the 4.2 V6, same bellhousing pattern as SBF/300 six..

[Greg D]

I have a real nice aluminum driveshaft from a Ford van.
However since it costs about $200 to shorten and I will likely cut the truck down to a short bed later on I was looking for a cheap temporary alternative.
I seem to remember I have 73" from the seal to the center of the rear U Joint.