need advice on transmission choice.

[92ranger18]

I am in the process of replacing the 302 in my Ranger for a mild 351. I want to run a 5 speed trans. I have a m5OD-R2 but it whines a little when driving. I'm wondering if this would be a good trans to keep and run till it needs rebuilt or rebuild it now, or should I leave it alone and go with something different. What would be a good reliable fast transmission a weekend truck. the R2 came from a 1989 F150 with a straight six. I've heard and seen that the Tremec T5s have problems. So any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Merrill]

Have not had it long but my ranger has that trans behind a 4.6 that is nearly 250 hp
at the wheels. Seems to work fine, for the cost of the Tremec I would run that and rebuild/ replace when needed. Just my .02

 

[4x4junkie]

The M5OD is a fairly decent trans, though I'm not aware Ford ever used it behind a 351. One in good condition would probably hold up fine in a lightweight Ranger if you're not shock-loading it (clutch-dumps, etc).

If it's already whining though, it's time is short (if it's like the R1, there's 3 rubber plugs on the rear of the shifter housing that tend to leak with age, which is cause for the vast majority of failures on these transmissions. Be sure to replace those plugs if you do get another one like it)