Am replacing the transmission in our F150 4x4. The bell housing just broke and there is about an inch gap in it now. The starter fell out when it happened and of course I lost clutch control. What could have caused that under normal driving, perhaps loose motor mounts causing the engine to shift?
Our truck is a 1991. I am about to pick up a replacement from a 1997 model. Same housing except it seems to have an additional electrical plug or 2 going to it. I shouldn't have any trouble correct as i can just tape off what I don't need. I will make sure the reverse light plug is connected properly. Thanks for any help. Ford used the M5OD-R2 frpm 89-96, then a newer version from 97 to present.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_M5OD_transmission
Just want to make sure I don't have any issues. Tranny is coming our of a 2wd, but i will just remove the shaft houseing from the rear and that should make it work. Thanks for any thoughts. Am going to sell soon, so I don't need to upgrade to a ZF.

 

It is not as simple as you think. The trans are specifically different between two and four wheel drive. Can't just change the extension housing. Sorry. As far as what caused the problem, could be anything from an out of balance engine, loose engine bolts, missing alignment pins in the bell housing, or even excessive driveline vibrations. Hope this helps.