2WD Manual transmission options

[tinman_72]

Hi guys,

I am currently collecting parts for my '93 2wd V8 swap. Having trouble figuring out which way to go for the transmission. I currently have a T5 out of a '90 Mustang GT but I am thinking I may want to sell it and find a M5R2, since I will be pushing around 400 ft/lbs at the flywheel. As I see it these are the pros and cons of each transmission:

• Use the T-5.
  • Pros
    • I already have one.
    • Shifts smoother than M5R2
  • Cons
    • T5 uses mechanically activated clutch. This means spending $300-$400 on a hydraulic throw-out bearing. If it was a one-time thing I wouldn't mind so much but as we all know, throw-out bearings wear out on a regular basis.
    • shifter is in the wrong place.
    • Not sure if speedo cable is plug and play
    • Weaker transmission than T5.
• Sell T5 and acquire M5R2 from 1997? to 2004 F150 with 4.2L
  • Pros:
    • Stronger transmission than T5
    • Can use the Ranger hydraulics
    • Shifter is in the correct place.
    • Local salvage yard has tested units for $400
  • Cons
    • Shifts like a truck transmission
    • I thought these transmissions do not have speedo gears. Looking at pictures on eBay (linky linky), I am wondering if some years did, in fact, have a place for a speedo gear. Would my cable work in this case?
• Sell T5 and use M5R2 from early 90's (unsure of exact years) F150 with 5.0. (Not sure if 5.8 used M5R2 as well).
  • Pros:
    • Stronger transmission than T5
    • Pretty sure my speedo cable will work with this transmission.
    • Ranger hydraulics will work with this transmission.
  • Cons:
    • Shifts like a truck transmission
    • This will place the shifter under the dash
    • Salvage yards that are relatively local want $900

Any pros/cons that I have missed? Any other insights?

 

[19Walt93]

F150's through 96 with a 302 could have a 5 speed, 351's were all automatics. I personally detest the Mazda sourced transmission, I never liked the way they feel when shifting. The T5 in my Mustang survived 20+ years of drag racing(13.8@102 and over 80,000 street miles and still shifts fine. I'd use either a T5 or Tremec with either an external slave cylinder or cable actuation. The ones that mount on the bearing retainer work slick until the clutch wears a little and they need to be readjusted because the adjustment is done with the trans removed. In NH we almost never see a 2wd F150, we certainly never ordered them for stock so I don't know how many 2wd transmissions are out there. I'd also question the condition of a transmission that can't be less than 26 years old. My 351 Ranger runs a C4 because I had one, if I'd had a T5 I'd have used it.

 

[tinman_72]

2wd trucks are not rare at all in Georgia. They are just too old to find nowadays.
The main reason I am leaning towards M5R2 is that it will be pretty much plug-n-play. Unless I am looking in the wrong places, all the conversion kits seem to cost around $250 for the slave and another $250 for the master. Not looking to spend $500 or more on wearable parts.
I did find where a guy used a cheapo Toyota slave cylinder on his T5 and detailed how he mounted it. This would not be beyond my capability but I don't know how I would determine if my master cylinder is too much or too little for that slave.

 

[Blmpkn]

If your TOB's go "on a regular basis" you should either stop installing used ones or quit resting your foot on the clutch when your driving.

 

[tinman_72]

My throw-out bearings don't wear prematurely, but they ARE a wearable item.

Does anyone know if '93 Ranger speedo cable will work in the 99-04 M5R2?