I have a 02 SuperCab 88,000 miles with a 5 speed manual transmission. The shifting has never been perfect but from time to time now its even more difficult. I have changed out the fluid twice over the life of the vehicle with plain Mercon ATF as specified. Mobil 1 ATF product says useable for both Mercon and MerconV applications. Across the boards I've noticed some reluctance to use the dual grade compatible in the Mercon only application. Is it worth giving it a try to see if it improves the shifting ease? Can I do any harm? I have no leaks or other problems I'm aware of. Otherwise I love my truck. It's my 3rd F150, all 5spd. Thanks for your help!

 

The dual rating debate applys to the E4OD/4r100 or 4R70w automatics where friction modifiers or lack there of messes with the bands and clutches. The "dumb ole sticks" don't give a hoot about FMs. I've had no problems runnin plain Mercon, but others here swear by GM Syncromesh fluid for the M5OD-R2.

Welcome to the forum as well!

Adrianspeeder

 

Thanks Adrianspeeder for reply, info, and welcome. I will see if I can find some GM Synchromesh around here. Something funny about putting a GM fluid in a Ford but all that I've heard on the forums seems to indicate that it helps significantly. If I can't find it, I'll give Mobil 1 ATF a try. Thanks again!

 

Where are you guys getting that GM syncromesh stuff and about how much does it cost?
I am thinking about changing the transmission fluid in my truck seeing as I am at about 78k miles. (i have 5spd as well) I have never changed any transmission before but after reading others ppls post it sounds about as easy as changing the motor oil and I can do that.
thanks

 

Even easier!

Takes 20 minutes if you have a suction gun or some kind of pump. Can be had at any auto parts store for 10 bucks.

Anyway. Undo the fill plug first (incase you strip it your not screwed being stranded with an empty tranny). Put a pan under the drain and let it do its thing. There are aluminum crush washers on both plugs so don't lose them.

Then simply refill with about 4 quarts of fluid. Keep going till it starts to run out of the fill hole and thats all she wrote.

Good time to do the transfer case as well. About two quarts of the same fluid.



Adrianspeeder

 

I was having problems with rough shifting and tried switching to Mobil 1. It helped somewhat, the shifts felt a bit smoother but it wasnt a magic fix or anything...since I later found out it was my slave cylinder crapping out that was causing the rough shifting.

 

I noticed the same improvement switching to Royal Purple ATF from Mobil-1 ATF as I did going from stock to the Mobil-1. I'd try R.P. (@ NAPA if all else fails) first, along with a Hurst short-throw from Mike T. or Summit / Jegs.

Actually, @ 88K mi...how many times have you had to change your slave cylinder / throw-out bearing? Mine went at about 40K. The new one made a HUGE improvement.

 

This was the first, and hopefully last time I had to get the slave replaced. Although I dont know if the previous owner ever had to. I got the new slave along with a whole new clutch and the bill was pretty hefty. But yes definatly a huge improvement. The M5OD isnt exactly a silky smooth transmission but it feels good and stong when everything is working right. It was shifting so rough before I got it fixed that it felt like a chore to drive it anywhere.

 

I hear ya man, my ****ty M50D almost made me trade my baby off...that is until the Hurst / R.P saved the day. Only now I have a busted cross member to tend to. It's always something.

 

Well I just got done changing the fluid in my 5spd tranny for the first time ever. Put some of the Royal Purple ATF in there and didnt get to drive it much but just on the way home, a whole two minutes, it seemed like it was shifting better. I will see how it does tomorrow to and from work. Anyone thinking about doing it themselves should do it instead of paying someone. Hardest part is finding something good to pump the new fluid back into the transmission. I started off with a hand pump and that was slow so I found this pump comparable to what you see at the restraunts to pump ketchup or a pump from a BIG soap bottle. That worked well.

 

At 88K I haven't done anything to the clutch or slave, just changed fluids. Actually this 02 Supercab is my third F-150 5 speed. I bought all three new and sold the first two at ~130-140K after never touching the clutches or slaves on either. I hope the 02 gives as good service as the '83 and '95 did. The shifting was never perfectly smooth but getting more difficult lately.
Thanks

 

Don't jinx yourself man...

 

Hello all. This is myfirst thread on this board but I have already learned a thing or two here. This is a wonderful site. My question for you gentlemen is, what is involved in replacing a slave cylinder on the M5OD-R2 tranny? My tranny has been acting up lately. It doesn't wanna shift into first or reverse. It also grinds every time I put it in reverse with the engine on so whenever I have to back up I usually do it with the engine off. Does this sound like a bad slave cylinder to ya'll. I checked the fluid level and that was good. This just kinda came out of nowhere, what to do. Thank you for your time gents.

 

The five speed M5OD-R2 didnt come about till '88

Also your '83, weather it be a SROD, NP-435, or T-18 was a mechanical clutch with no master slave system.

Howdy and welcome!

Did you check the fluid by lookin under the little rubber disk in the resivor? It can be low under it, and just taking the cap off isn't enough. You didn't mention the milage or if 4x4.

It sounds like the slave, but the master cylinder could also be at fault. The tranny has to come out for the slave to be replaced so might as well do the master first which is up on the firewall.

Adrianspeeder

 

Hello again. Yes I looked in the resevoir and the fluid was in check. The truck is a '95, 300L6 and has approximately 101,000 miles. It is also a 2 wheel drive. I bought it a few months back, the original use was as a "buisiness vehicle." Maybe the tranny was abused beofore I got it? Thanks for the help.

Jeff