Trans ?

[ThatOneGuy]

So the only thing I've kinda glossed over and ignored, and failed to mention is that the fm146 has basicly no first gear synchros left so it's basicly impossible to down shift to first without Rev matching. I do have a spare known good fm146. But if I sell the 83 or just not engine swap it. I'll have a good m50d on hand. But is the upgraded trans really worth it ive read alot either way any input. I know the m50d is stronger but is it needed

 

[rusty ol ranger]

So the only thing I've kinda glossed over and ignored, and failed to mention is that the fm146 has basicly no first gear synchros left so it's basicly impossible to down shift to first without Rev matching. I do have a spare known good fm146. But if I sell the 83 or just not engine swap it. I'll have a good m50d on hand. But is the upgraded trans really worth it ive read alot either way any input. I know the m50d is stronger but is it needed

Depends what youre putting it behind.

If youre running a stock 2.8/2.9 then the FM would be fine IMO, but if youre going to a 4.0 (i dont remember the particulars of your plans) id for sure go with the M5OD.

 

[tw205]

IMO I don’t think you will find any difference from the 146 to the M5. Both are light duty transmissions and capable of handling what the v6 can dish out. FM 145 and FM 146 are put behind v8s and handle them fine minus any big power build. Power increased from the 2.8 and 2.9 to a 4.0 in only minimal unless you go with the sohc engine
M50D have their issues same as any other.
Just my 2 cents. I’ve had both in my 89.

 

[bobbywalter]

The m5 is far superior to my hand.

The shifter is much better and anything you find is likely well worn in either model..

The m5 is available and Much easier to get. Especially shifter parts.

The only issue is the 4.0 gearset version which is easiest to find in v6 bolt pattern, is not as friendly to the 2.9 and 2.8. so you want to run the 3.0/2.3 gearset if your parts scrounging ... And building one anyway.


In your case if I understand correctly...you have a known good 146.

I would use the 146. If I had a pile of 10...when I burned through the pile .. then I would look at an m5.

Unless I had a healthy 4.0. In that case I would trade the pile for two good m5od's...

 

[ThatOneGuy]

Thanks for the replies. I'm gonna just live with this one for now and swap the 146 in eventually. Still have a ways to go getting this thing on the road full time. I'll save the m5 for the 4.0.

 

[Blmpkn]

I don't remember either of my m5s being fans of shifting into 1st while rolling.. subie trannys don't really like it either.

 

[ThatOneGuy]

I don't remember either of my m5s being fans of shifting into 1st while rolling.. subie trannys don't really like it either.

My 93 explorer with a swapped in m5odhd down shifts to first like butter, well it would if this lazy guy I know would put a clutch in it. Maybe I have an excuse that I work 60-70hours most weeks on call 24/5

 

[sgtsandman]

I don't remember either of my m5s being fans of shifting into 1st while rolling.. subie trannys don't really like it either.

Mine is a little slow to downshift into unless fully stopped but it will do it.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Any of these syncro 1sts should slide in unless youre hauling ass.

That being said my TK can take some coaxing.

Not as much as my old T18's did though

 

[gearfather]

Any of these syncro 1sts should slide in unless youre hauling ass.

That being said my TK can take some coaxing.

Not as much as my old T18's did though

The T-18 is not synchronized in 1st, they can be a bit grumpy going in to 1st...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The T-18 is not synchronized in 1st, they can be a bit grumpy going in to 1st...

I know thats why i said it lol.

I could grab it on a slow roll by floating it in though