First time post to F-150 fourm. I hope you guys can help.

OK I've got a 99 f-150 with a 5 spd Manual with 71k. i'm a very aggressive driver. I moved up from a ranger with a little 4banger with a 5 spd. When I drive normally I usually skip 3rd. All of a sudden this weekend fourth gear would grind before engageing when I skipped 3rd. When I didn't skip 3rd it was ok but hard to get into. Ok my first question is what is the number of my transmission. is is a t-45? Next question I've never rebuilt a trans before how hard is it. I've rebuilt engines. 3rd question is there some kind of cool lube that "could" solve my issue. Any help would be huge Thanks guys.

 

Not a transmission expert, but I'd hazard a guess that your syncronyzers are all but shot. If there trans fluid/gear oil is at the proper level I don't think any additive will help either. Any reputable transmission places in your area?

Edited to add, WELCOME TO effonefiddy online!

 

Yea I'm no expert either but that was my guess. e-bay has a rebuilt kit for $110. For a t-45 transmission. But I don't know what transmission I have? And I don't know how hard it is to work on or if I need any special tools.

 

Ok I've got the answer to one of my questions. I think the transmission in my truck is a Mazda M5R2 5-Speed. Does anybody know where I can get a good one cheep the best i found was $775. Or should I try to rebuild it myself.

 

Trans is probably an M5OD, and I'd also guess that you're syncros are bad.

 

syncronyzers

 

bohnman


I also have a 5-speed manual tranny in my '98. They are Mazda trannys. Just curious, I find 3rd gear to be my all time favorite gear, taking me from low 40's to about 70 mph. Then, of course, 4th to take me up to cruising speed. Why would one skip 3rd? Not giving you grief, but trying to learn what I am doing wrong by using third. I certainly skip gears when driving my class 8 truck and pulling an empty trailer. Never thought about it when driving a half ton.

If you are planning on keeping this truck, I would consider a tranny rebuild and upgrade particularly the upgrade. What engine is in front of this tranny, and is it stock?



enb

 

I've got the 4.6l with and exahaust and a K&N nothing fast. But I want to put a super charger in the truck in the near future but if this tranny is going to be an issue. Is there an alternative to the Mazda tranny or if there is an upgrade I'd be interested.

As for the skiping of gears I just find that when I'm going around town crusing that if I skip 3rd I just get a better ride. I get lazy some times.

Does anybody know what fluid goes in these tranny's?

 

If I could, I would like to pass on some words of wisdom (or perhaps lack of). If your planning on supercharging in the future, you will not see as fast times at the track as an auto with the otherwise same config. I believe that even new the M5OD is a slow, notchy shifting transmission. The syncros seem to be a weak point. I don't know if they are too heavy, or if there is a flaw in the dog teeth, but the syncros just don't mesh well and effect the ability to put power to the wheels. Also, I found that after about 15k with a supercharger that the factory clutch isn't up to the increase in torque. There is a Certerforce in there now.

I put the supercharger on at 29k and today the truck has almost 57k. The transmission has held up. It's not smooth and when I get on it hard there is a good chance that I'm going to grind 2nd. My truck is fun as he!! to drive but not nearly as fast as I would like it to be.

As far as the immediate issue, I would first suggest taking a bit of time to use the search feature on these boards. A lot of this stuff has been covered and there is a ton of good information buried here. You will see people reccomending synthetic fluid in the transmission, there are differing opinions on which is best. I would also reccomend getting yourself a Ford factory service manual. I got one on CD on e-bay for fourteen bucks. When I looked at the diagram of the inside of the transmission, I decided I want no part in getting into that thing.

I know I might not be much of a help here. You are in the right place though. This site is awsome. Stick around and you'll get the answers you need. Also, when your ready for a supercharger, there are a bunch of good people in the supercharger section that have already been there, done that. You might be able to avoid potential issues because someone else has already delt with them.

Welcome! Good luck! Have fun!

 

Thanks for all the information that I've recived on this board. It seams like I might be spending some time on here.

Anyway today I'm driving the truck and it seams to be shifting ok. I've tried to skip 3rd and it worked so I think what I'm going to do is just change the fluid this week end and hope for the best I did find a rebuild kit for $300 so if it acts up again maybe I'll rebuild it.

 

Check the fluid level in the clutch resevoir. It might be low. FYI I am using GM syncromesh fluid in my tranny. You can buy rebuild tranny's for under a grand. it doesn't make them any better. I found a low milage 2003 MY in a scrap yard for $600.00. You are correct you have the Mazda M5OD-R2 tranny. The 97-8's are different from the 99+ models. The shifter was moved towards the back in 99 so the covers are different.

JMC