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Mazda 5 spd bad reverse?


freckles

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Okay, here's the deal: I've FINALLY found an Explorer ('93) with a 5 spd, owned by, of all people, my idiot son. It's only available as a 'parts' rig, since he got no title when he bought it, and he can't license the thing. The truck runs okay, but has 'no reverse', per I.S's description. He has close to no mechanical troubleshooting ability, and can't accurately explain what he's done to narrow down what's going on. THE QUESTION: is there something intrinsically wrong with the M5OD reverse? The eploded view on the Tranny ID page shows nothing out of the ordinary; thus I suspect the clutch isn't releasing sufficiently to allow engagement. That comes back to clutch adjustment, which shouldn't really be an issue with a juice clutch; or as a secondary issue with the clutch, general condition. Maybe the syncro rings/collar for 5th/Reverse? I should add that in a life about 35 years ago, I was a tranny specialist; nothing about repairing a car-size manual tranny is frightening to me. If it's easier than timing a twin countershaft Fuller 15 speed, it won't be a problem. Anyway, I await an answer.
 


scotts90ranger

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Most likely the rings/collar for 5th/reverse, mine was hard to get in reverse and ended up replacing the collar when I pulled it apart to put syncro's in it, easy tranny to work on. I believe you can replace those parts with just pulling the tailhousing off and not taking the whole thing apart...
 

adsm08

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I believe Scott is right. The M5OD has a reverse slider to get the counter spin going. It's been a few years since I tore one apart, but I do believe most everything for reverse is housed in the tail housing.
 

freckles

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Thanks!! I figured I'd have at least 1 reply tonight whe I checked; I didn't expect 2, before I close out for tonight's shift! Having looked through about 40 pages of transmission questions, I've about decided to buy a bearing kit with syncros and re-bearing the begger. THAT would certainly take care of the worn shift collar and rings. And it would handle all the obvious ways a tranny can go wrong. Thanks for the responses, and now I'll get I.S. to sell this parts rig to me....since I have JUST the place for said rig to get used up.
 

scotts90ranger

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Yep, bearing and sycro kit on Ebay is like $150 or $175, that's what I did, bought a new slider for $45 locally, there is a break in tooth count for 5/R slider/syncros in '92 so count the teeth before you order any of the pieces... it's an easy tranny to work on
 

adsm08

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Yeah, if I remember there are only three truly bad things about working on the M5OD.

1) Getting the main shaft apart and out of the case.

2) Putting the main shaft back in the case.

3) The speed gears have to be pressed on and off the main shaft.

And that last one is really only an issue if you don't have access to a press.
 

freckles

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Well, excellent! Now I just have to convince I.S. to let me deal with his problem child Explorer. I 'preciate the help.
 

UrbanRedneckKid

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It's all about the angle of the dangle. Those shafts go in and out easily, you just have to hold the one synchronizer assembly together with your finger as you move both shafts, having both bearings pulled from the case.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
 

freckles

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It's all about the angle of the dangle. Those shafts go in and out easily, you just have to hold the one synchronizer assembly together with your finger as you move both shafts, having both bearings pulled from the case.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
Not a great deal different from timing the countershafts on a RoadRanger tranny, then. Gotta pull the bearings for that too. Cool. BTDT, Got the Teeshirt and the scars...
 

UrbanRedneckKid

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Exactly. It's just a transmission.

Imo, your gunna open that thing up, and almost be embarrassed for starting this thread.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
 

freckles

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Ah, but had I NOT started the thread, I'd likely have found some great question that required more light and knowledge...or maybe some smoke and mirrors...or at least a plausible reason why "That thing isn't running yet???" when sig. other sees it still on the stands...
 

pcollins

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I don't even think you'll have to pull any shafts or anything out. We replaced 5th gear (OverDrive) in my '97 and just popped the tail-housing off. Wasn't a long job. Granted the whole trans was out of the truck anyways cause the slave was shot.
 

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