I have a 89 150 with a 302 and a mazda 5-speeed transmission. I am wanting to put a lift kit on it but i first need to fix the drivetrain. The engine needs at least new gaskets because they all leak. I think the tranny needs rebuilt also because it dosent shift as smoothly as it used to. I plan to take it to a shop and have them pull the engine and tranny and fix both. My question is should i have everything rebuilt while it is out and how much will that cost or should i just do gaskets on the engine and fix the tranny. This is my daily driver and i dont have lots of money to put into the truck so i need some ideas and estimates on the best route to go. Thanks.

 

I can't imagine ALL the gaskets are leaking, or the truck wouldn't run. Maybe you just have really bad valve cover gaskets, and it looks like there all leaking? As far as the tranny is concerned, maybe get a used one that goes with the truck?

 

Yeah, if you were able to do it all yourself thats one thing but to pay a shop to do all that work for you will cost a few thousand dollars. Have a repair shop look at it, if it runs fine and has good oil pressure you probably just need a couple gaskets. As for the trans they can advise you on whether it needs clutch work or synchros and what the most cost effective way of going about it is.

-Jon

 

Its not all the gaskets but i know for sure it needs head, valve cover and oil pan gaskets. I guess my real concern/worry is the tranny. How much for a good used tranny?

 

I have the same tranny and I called around the lowest quote I got for a basic rebuild was around $1000. You can always find M5r2's on ebay for around 600-650. This is probably your best bet if you live close enough to pick it up or they offer free shipping.