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Trans question

ksquared

New Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
10
Loc.
Scottsdale
I have a shot at a transmission with transfer case. I've been told it came out of a late 80's Bronco. Xfer case is New Process and trans is a 5sp with overdrive (not granny) that looks like a T5. Cross member, linkage and drive shafts included. Right now I have a 4sp top loader with Hurst shifter. Works fine but the overdrive is tempting. My Bronco is a 75 with a 302 which will be changed to a stroked 351W (408). Diff is 4.11 with a locker and I run 33" All Terrains. My use is primarily street and mild off road. I don't know anything about this trans or transfer case. Is it fragile? Any idea what the ratios are? Should I stay with the top loader? Appreciate any thoughts...
 

Tricky Dick

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2023
Messages
440
Be 100% sure it's from a full size. Then it's a M5R2 and is a decent transmission for a 302. A stock 351 is pushing it and a 408 will be very hard on it. It does not have a granny gear.

The transfer case will be far too large to use.
 

1969

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2022
Messages
689
Skip it and get a ZF5 transmission instead, with either an NP205, factory bronco Dana 20, or atlas.
 
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K

ksquared

New Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
10
Loc.
Scottsdale
Here's the deal - transmission, transfer case, mounts, drive shafts, bell housing, flywheel & adapter plate (don't need last 3) all for 2k. Was a working pull from an early Bronco to switch to an automatic. I know my top loader will easily take the 408 (around 420hp). Was planning on using my top loader with its slightly lower 1st gear until this came along. But who wouldn't like an overdrive on an EB? An overdrive and/or bigger gas tank are probably the most desired things for anyone who has owned an EB for a while (got mine in 84).
 

Tricky Dick

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Sounds like a better package now but priced on the high end.

I do think you'll be happier with a ZF5 long term with your 408 plans.
 

bmc69

Contributor
Bronco Guru
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Jun 11, 2004
Messages
11,896
I don't believe any of the transfer cases found in 80s 4x4 will fit between EB frame rails. NP-205 does but barely...I suspect the one you've found is an NP-208 though?
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
35,316
Only usable part of that mix is the transmission. Which you are now paying $2k for. Not a deal and a bunch of extra junk.
Pass. Spending way too much money for what will be useful to you.
 

Oldtimer

Contributor
Jr. Member with Sr. moments
Joined
Feb 4, 2005
Messages
1,067
Loc.
Sunnyvale, CA
I am running a 351W (that needs a rebuild), 4sp top loader (wide ratio), 4.10 gears, and 33" KM3s.
The motor is turning 3000 rpm at 70 mph and will do so for hours. An overdrive would give me better mpg (maybe), but 70 is about the limit of sanity in a 92" vehicle.
 
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bigmuddy

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 28, 2004
Messages
7,245
Loc.
Marthasville Missouri
Hard pass, to much money for that bit of parts and not the T case won't fit.

I bought basically the same thing from a buddy (long story) for 200$ recently. though I was getting a ZF but nooo, so here I set with this doorstop.
 

gnpenning

Bronco Slave
Joined
Dec 26, 2011
Messages
2,321
Loc.
I have more questions than answers.
You may want to post some pictures since you said it came out of a EB. Who knows what the tcase really is, you could be really lucky for all we know and the case be an atlas. Highly doubtful but a miniature possiblity. Guessing is not a good option when buying things. More than one po was wrong about what they are claiming. We can only guess what it might be.

Pictures please. This is a trust but verify situation. Help us help you.
 

nvrstuk

Contributor
Just a Bronco driver for over 50 yrs!
Joined
Jul 31, 2001
Messages
9,193
I have a shot at a transmission with transfer case. I've been told it came out of a late 80's Bronco. Xfer case is New Process and trans is a 5sp with overdrive (not granny) that looks like a T5. Cross member, linkage and drive shafts included. Right now I have a 4sp top loader with Hurst shifter. Works fine but the overdrive is tempting. My Bronco is a 75 with a 302 which will be changed to a stroked 351W (408). Diff is 4.11 with a locker and I run 33" All Terrains. My use is primarily street and mild off road. I don't know anything about this trans or transfer case. Is it fragile? Any idea what the ratios are? Should I stay with the top loader? Appreciate any thoughts...
I agree, get some pics so we can help ID it. Might be just what you need but you did say it was in a full sized Bronco so the odds aren't good.

Have a buddy in Sacramento area who just pulled a perfect NV4500 (almost identical to a ZF) with Atlas who is selling as a pkg.

I've run the toploader 4 speed with a 351W w/D20 and after that I've also run the ZF with doubler and D20 (then an Atlas then a 205) all behind the 351W. Yeah, I love building and trying different combo's on my same Bronco. :) Course I've had the thing for 48 yrs.

Anyway, the ZF is a TANK for fun shifting compared to the toploader... HUGE gear splits, shifts slow, etc, etc. It's a truck trans. Great strength, great low 1st, great OD- great trans it's just not comparing apples and oranges.
You have a 3 spd equivalent with a granny and OD. If you don't like quick shifts, nice rpm drops on shifts and feel like you're now driving a truck then the ZF might not be your best option if you want some fun rowing thru gears.

I don't know of any fairly fun close ratio 5 or 6 speeds that will handle the 450-500ft lbs of torque that a 408 would generate. That's the kicker. I went (3 spd with OD in that mix and it was very dissappointing for me. After that I put in a 4r70 after the toploader wide ratio small block 4spd. GREAT trans, fully manually shifting if you want, or full auto with a controller. After that I I looked hard at adapting a couple 6 spd manuals in from other applications and that's when I gave up for a bit and waited till the first adapter came out for the 6r80. Game changer and best of both worlds.
 

Tricky Dick

Contributor
Sr. Member
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Jul 13, 2023
Messages
440
You may want to post some pictures since you said it came out of a EB. Who knows what the tcase really is
Yes that's wise. At least if it came out of an EB we know it's not a 208 or 1356, both would be outside the frame halfway to the rockers.
 

Timmy390

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Jan 1, 2011
Messages
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Conway, AR
I don't know how you plan to use your rig but it it's a street rig then M5ODR2 is very nice. I run a warmed over (torque cam, P heads, headers blah blah) 1996 351w with EFI, M5ODR2 5 speed, D20, 4.11's and 33's. I think it's one hell of a combo. I've barked the tires grabbing 3rd...... :)

Tim
 
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ksquared

New Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
10
Loc.
Scottsdale
Here...
pic1.jpg
pic2.jpg
pic3.jpg
 

Tricky Dick

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2023
Messages
440
You're right, that's a T5. And I can't make out the tag but the transfer case looks like a NP231. These are not bad parts, and a really great swap for a mild 302. A 408 is going to stress them.

Definitely not 80s Bronco.
 
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Broncobowsher

Total hack
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Jun 4, 2002
Messages
35,316
Jeep parts?
T5 in the V8 flavor has way too tall of an overdrive. The gears don't take torque and traction. Ford even passed on it when they did the supercharged V6 Thunderbird. You will have more torque and traction. That T5 would just go boom.
 

Timmy390

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Jan 1, 2011
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Conway, AR
Only used in small cars and I think Chevy used them in the s10 for a year or so. Yes it was in the Mustang with 302 but having more of those than I care to count......tractions ? What traction? None of them knew their a$$ from the front. Always trying to swap ends.......

Tim
 
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ksquared

New Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
10
Loc.
Scottsdale
Yeah I just read that the T5 is good for around 300 ft lbs. which is what a stock 302 can produce. Don't think the T5 & a 408 will get along well. Think I'll save 2k & be happy with my top loader :) Thanks for all the input!
 

Tricky Dick

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2023
Messages
440
Only used in small cars and I think Chevy used them in the s10 for a year or so. Yes it was in the Mustang with 302 but having more of those than I care to count......tractions ? What traction? None of them knew their a$$ from the front. Always trying to swap ends.......

Tim
The only 4x4 applications I'm aware of were S10, CJ, and Eagle.
 
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