Differences in 3.0 M5OD?

[rockerc]

In my searches for a junkyard transmission for my 3.0 4x4, ive run into a logistical problem - there are a ton of newer (1998+) 3 lite 4wdr manual transmissions, but not so many for my 1996. Does anyone know what ford did differently in the newer model transmissions?

 

[AllanD]

What did ford do differently on the newer 3.0 4x4 transmissions?

Not a damn thing that you need to worry about provided you get the
shift lever with the transmission.

the '98-up lever is "keyed" differently.

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[Wicked_Sludge]

he was talking about a 3.0, not a 4.0....but the same "rules" apply. the tranny's are basically the same. just grab all the "accessories" that go with it.

 

[2manyfords]

Isn't there something about the newer trannys not having a neutral sensing switch and the shifters being slightly different?

Other than that they are a direct bolt in.

 

[MAKG]

I believe one bellhousing bolt hole is in a different place, but it's not a big deal to skip that one.

For the neutral switch, you can swap top covers to restore it or short the switch connector so the computer thinks you're always in neutral.

 

[AllanD]

a 1996 wouldn't have a Neutral Sensing Switch anyway, so that isn't an issue.

The difference is that the "stub" lever on the transmission is keyed
differently and the casting at the base of the main shift lever is different.

The '98-up lever will relocate the shift knob about 1-1/4" to the rear relative to the earlier one, this isn't a problem as much as it is desireable.

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[rockerc]

sweet, thanks guys! i figured there was some sort of difference as the newer ones dont interchange when you search for a used trans. I found a used unit in the junkyard for $650, 60k original miles. looks clean... anyone have luck with one of those similarly priced "rebuilt" units you find on ebay?

now... what has been the best clutch you guys have found w/ a 3.0? i've already put 1 ford clutch in... it lasted 65k miles with me driving the living crap out of it and wheelin it from time to time. i haven't found too much in the way of aftermarket options

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

if your only getting 65k out of a clutch then you need to learn how to drive. no aftermarket clutch will allow you to drive that poorly.

my stock clutch had 120,000 on it and it was still working when i replaced it (i was getting ready for a long road trip towing a heavy load).

 

[MAKG]

I tend to agree. My Prizm has 265K miles and it's on its second clutch still. It drives mountains every day, and that clutch gets used quite a lot.

I believe the Exploder is also on its second clutch (but I'm not the original owner). It has 230K miles.

 

[AllanD]

sweet, thanks guys! i figured there was some sort of difference as the newer ones dont interchange when you search for a used trans. I found a used unit in the junkyard for $650, 60k original miles. looks clean... anyone have luck with one of those similarly priced "rebuilt" units you find on ebay?

now... what has been the best clutch you guys have found w/ a 3.0? i've already put 1 ford clutch in... it lasted 65k miles with me driving the living crap out of it and wheelin it from time to time. i haven't found too much in the way of aftermarket options

I've seen five or six Ebay rebuilds.

But that isn't a good thing...
remember the onlyreason I'll see a transmission is if it is apart for some reason... AFTER someone had a problem with it.
I greatly enjoy fixing something someone else missed.... it's job security.

If the "used" transmission really does only have 60K miles and it's out of a wreck chances are it's good.

when junkyard shopping I like vehicles that are hit, preferably hit HARD
to scavenge power train parts off of....

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