Mazda transmissions

Burkulater · Jan 18, 2012

will the mazda F-150 transmission work just fine in these broncos for pretty much just a street rig? I know the ZF is better but its bigger and more expensive. Looking for personal experiance here, is it really that much easier to fit or cheaper then the zf?

and what about transfer cases would i be just as good to use that F-150 transfer case that was behind the mazda to begin with and just end up needing new drive shafts?

beaux312 · Jan 18, 2012

never heard of a Mazda F150

Burkulater · Jan 18, 2012

not a Mazda F-150 silly... Ford used a Mazda Transmission in the Bronco and F-150 for years from 80 something to the 90's something

Ethansdad73 · Jan 18, 2012

the question has been asked before... but from what i have read here is that its an ok transmission for a stockish daily driver and light off road. I have not seen a write up on anyone doing it or any definative conclusions.

http://www.blueovaltrucks.com/tech/transmissions_manual.htm

F-150 1988-Up M5R2 Mazda built 5 speed fully synchronized transmission found in 1988 to present Ford F150 series trucks and full size Broncos. Aluminum case, extension housing, and shift cover, with integral bell housing. Very similar in design to M5R1, but larger with shift lever located in center of shift cover. Available in 2 and 4WD versions. 1995 and later models have top cover reverse light switch moved to forward corner of shift cover. In 1996 case is changed to accommodate modular motor (4.6L), with starter bolt pattern being triangular. In 1999 the case was changed for 4.2L 4wd drive vehicles. The case is very similar to earlier style units with case length shorter on 4.6L and 4.2L models.

Ratio:

1st 3.75
2nd 2.32
3rd 1.43
4th 1.00
5th 0.75

backpain · Jan 18, 2012

Also in s-charged Mn-12 platform Tbird/Cougar. Search M5R2 on this board and you will find more threads

broncnaz · Jan 18, 2012

Quite a few people are using it. the tcase it comes with wont fit between a broncos frame rails its to big. Some people use a NP205 and I think you can use a ZF adapter to adapt it to a D20. in either case your need driveshafts and crossmember modifications. You'll probably also need to regear the axles to be able to use the OD.

Ranchtruck · Jan 19, 2012

It's an OK transmission, but it doesn't have a granny first like the ZF. Couple that with the NP205 that's the only case that will fit in a bronco and bolt directly to the M5R2 and you get a low range crawl ratio almost exactly the same as the 3spd/d20 you have now. That's a lot of work for just an overdrive.

If you spend the $380 to adapt the D20 to the M5R2, then you get a reasonable gearing spread.

Save up for the ZF, they're more common than you think and most go for $3-500 in junkyards.

grant_71 · Jan 20, 2012

The M5OD-R2 will work just fine for a street/ mild off road rig. I would probably not run more than 33's. The reason they get a bad rap is there is a plastic/rubber plug that breaks down over time and allows the fluid to leak out.

As far as being a "weak" transmission that is crap, I have one in a 92 FSB that tows my EB on a trailer regularly and it has never has a single problem with the tranny.

FYI the M5OD-R1 was used in the Bronco II/ranger/Areostar, and is complete crap, I went through 3 in my BII, and they will not bolt up to a SBF anyhow.

ahansen_1985 · Jan 20, 2012

I'm running the m50d outta a 90's f150, with the 205.... Works great, I put new shift forks and slave cyl in way before installing it!...
It does work with your original 3 spd clutch....

You will need to clearance it a little bit to fit the 205, bit it does fit and no adapter is needed,

---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=45.109716,-123.202551
1966,351,m5od,205....3.5" lift, 2" body, 35's,

Broncobowsher · Jan 20, 2012

grant_71 said:
The M5OD-R2 will work just fine for a street/ mild off road rig. I would probably not run more than 33's. The reason they get a bad rap is there is a plastic/rubber plug that breaks down over time and allows the fluid to leak out.

As far as being a "weak" transmission that is crap, I have one in a 92 FSB that tows my EB on a trailer regularly and it has never has a single problem with the tranny.

FYI the M5OD-R1 was used in the Bronco II/ranger/Areostar, and is complete crap, I went through 3 in my BII, and they will not bolt up to a SBF anyhow.

Correct. The F150/Supercoupe is good. small truck bad.
The supercoupe had to step up to this transmission because the T5 normally used with V8s (think mustangs) could not handle the torque.

Matt_brianna · Jan 20, 2012

I have been doing a lot of research on the mazda 5 speed. I found one for $99 at the pick n pulls on the west coast and those of half price on holiday weekends. the best part that I found was that the 2wd model can be converted to 4wd for about $90. I am still torn on wether I want to use the stock D20 or go for the 205. as far as the crawling gear the first gear in the M5 is a 3.75, the factory 3speed uses a 2.99 so you are still getting a better first gear than stock. that killed the off roading aurgument for me.

Once my bronco gets here to south dakota I will be starting my conversion. let me know if you start yours first.

broncodriver99 · Jan 20, 2012

Does anyone have any dimensions on the M5OD-R2? Length specifically? I found some info on the later, better shifter position, shorter ones and they seem to be about 28" bell face to output flange. That is the only dimension I could find in my Google searching and it could be wrong. I am considering this swap and trying to figure out the difference between it and the stock setup.

Burkulater · Jan 20, 2012

i was looking at the mazda mostly because of its smaller size not the fact that its a little cheaper, that was my reasoning but does anyone know if it actually fits under there nicer the the zf anyway. And honestly i dont think i want a super low granny gear for driving on the street

so either tranny your saying the d20 would be best behind it for its lower low range then the 205. I think i read that the 205's have an adaptor integrated anyway and with that said the driveshafts need swapped anyway if you go that way

Burkulater · Jan 20, 2012

now were going off topic but what about the toploader with overdrive? just saw that in something i was looking at on here. 4 gears first 3.2x and and fourth .81 i think. would this be a direct swap? except for the shifter of course, no lift

broncodriver99 · Jan 20, 2012

Burkulater said:
now were going off topic but what about the toploader with overdrive? just saw that in something i was looking at on here. 4 gears first 3.2x and and fourth .81 i think. would this be a direct swap? except for the shifter of course, no lift

Sorta.

Here's the tech article:
http://classicbroncos.com/tech/toploader-4-speed-manual-transmission-guide

bad 68 · Jan 20, 2012

I have a 90 F150, FI 5.0, Mazda m5r2 trans, BW1345 t-case 2.7 low, 3.73s and 31 tall tires. The trans is geared very well for the 302. This trans gives you 5 street gears where the ZF gives you one off road gear and 4 street gears. It's your choice.

bronco-kid · Jan 20, 2012

i have a couple pics in my gallery of a mz trans bolted to a 205 .didnt get to finish that one ,had to replace the frame.

ahansen_1985 · Jan 20, 2012

Ill post some pics of mine tomorrow for you guys, anyone that's local
Is welcome to come check it out.... I love the way it drives, I run a 351,m50d,205,3.50,35's 2" body, 3.5 susp

---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=45.109758,-123.202683
1966,351,m5od,205....3.5" lift, 2" body, 35's,

broncodriver99 · Jan 20, 2012

ahansen_1985 said:
Ill post some pics of mine tomorrow for you guys, anyone that's local
Is welcome to come check it out.... I love the way it drives, I run a 351,m50d,205,3.50,35's 2" body, 3.5 susp

---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=45.109758,-123.202683
1966,351,m5od,205....3.5" lift, 2" body, 35's,

Cool. Looking forward to the pics. Could you grab a measurement from bell face to tcase flange while you are under there? ;D

What year is your tranny and what did it come out of? I know there are some differences in length and shifter location. Trying to narrow down what fits the best and where the shifter comes out. Thanks.

mudstud · Jan 20, 2012

ahansen_1985 said:
Ill post some pics of mine tomorrow for you guys, anyone that's local
Is welcome to come check it out.... I love the way it drives, I run a 351,m50d,205,3.50,35's 2" body, 3.5 susp

---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=45.109758,-123.202683
1966,351,m5od,205....3.5" lift, 2" body, 35's,

Is your 351 stock or modified? I would like to know how theM5R2 is holding up.

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