2001 F150 4.6L, M5OD (nails on chalkboard right here...)

195,600 miles on her. Replaced 1st clutch at 88,000 miles and I'm thinking and hearing the 2nd clutch is on its way out. Truck not dogged ever, 285/70/17s on her, no performance mods to the anemic 4.6L.

I'm trying to decide between replacing clutch on M5OD vs upgrading to a ZF5/ZF6 transmission while I've got the tranny down. I'd like to prepare for a Lightning swap but that might not happen for awhile. Add to that, I'm reminded the JMC on here as swapped his tranny who knows how many times (I think he's on #5 or #6?) and he's got essentially a lightning motor (I think).

I plan on keeping the truck for a long time. I just swapped an NV4500 into my 1997 Tahoe (had a 4L60e) so I can figure out the mechanics (should be much easier since my truck was born with a manual). I'd just like to be able to drive the truck without wondering when the tranny is going to crap out (clutch included). Moreover if I upgrade the motor (God forbid a Coyote swap) I'd like to not have to drop the tranny on an annual basis since I'm not JMC. That and my wife's mustang has a Coyote 5.0, so i should get one too, right? Any input appreciated from you guys. Thanks much

Dave

 

You would need a ZF out of a 5.4 or 6.8 Super Duty, and cut a big hole in the floor or put on a 3 inch body lift.

 

The ZF5 requires tunnel work too? I think I knew the ZF6 did but I hadn't found that out about the ZF5. Thanks for that. Makes me want to get real comfy with my M5OD