What are my T-5 swap options?

[bulletsneverlie]

I'm building a custom hot rod '69/'73 Ford swb F100 pickup. For the engine, I'm going with a very basic Mustang type setup: a stock 351w EFI w/ 5.0 Mustang A9L/Maf harness, and I want to use a t-5 for it's great ratios. It should hold up to my driving style. I've been looking for the trans, and I've done some research.

I know the '90-93 5.0 t-5 is what I need, but wouldn't the 94-95 5.0 t-5 work with the 351w too? I've also read that the 96-04 3.8 t-5 is just as strong as a 90-93 5.0 t-5, and that it will bolt right up to the 351w, but I would need a 164 tooth flywheel. Could I just use a '96-'04 3.8 t-5 with a 94-95 5.0 bell? Are all '96-'04 3.8 t-5s the same?

I'll be able to fab the cross member, and the wiring is all gonna be custom anyway. I'm gonna cut the shifter hole to suit the trans I get, so a longer bell won't be a problem. Is this information correct? Am I missing any issues? Any info on the subject will be much appreciated.

 

[apollo12]

87-93 mustang t-5's will work,you need to use the 87-93 belhousing and clutch fork,also 94/95 t-5's will work as long as you use the 94/95 bellhousing and clutch fork.I'd run a steel bearing retainer and synthetic atf fluid

 

[bulletsneverlie]

(Double post)

 

[bulletsneverlie]

Sounds good, Thanks! Anyone know about the '96-04 T-5's. I got a better chance of finding one of those in good shape.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Keep in mind the 94+ T-5 has a slightly longer input shaft and bellhousing. It will move your shifter back about 3/4"

The 96+ T-5's use an electronic speedo, but i beleive a manual speedo cable will fit into place. The 97+ V6 T-5 is rated to 300 ft-lbs.

 

[bulletsneverlie]

Oh yeah, shifter location isn't a problem. The center console and tunnel hole will be fabricated to the trans specs when I get it.

Will the '96-'04 3.8 t-5 swapped onto a 94-95 5.0 bell and shift fork work? Where is the electronic speed sensor located? I ask because the trucks have the sensor on the rear axle, and I want to run my Ford 9in rear.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Speed sensor is in the rear driver's side of the trans housing.

i beleive the newer trans installed on a 94-95 bell should work. Can't think of anything that woul prevent it from working off the top of my head

 

[bulletsneverlie]

Good to know. I might just pick up an e-bay 'stang cluster and gut it (if I grab a newer trans). I'll have to research the wiring a bit too. I'll need to know if the signal from the trans has to go through the computer before it goes to the cluster.

 

[bulletsneverlie]

Thanks Mustang 5l5.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I'll need to know if the signal from the trans has to go through the computer before it goes to the cluster.

I beleive so because the signal is also used for the Mass Air system and cruise control.

If i'm picturing it correctly, i think it could be converted to a mechanical unit if needed. I would need to see it though to be sure

 

[bulletsneverlie]

Thanks again. I guess I need to check into that, and go from there. I'll get back to y'all.

 

[wht93gtEd]

just my $.02


if you get a used trans and plan on replacing the bearing retainer with a steel one, make sure you shim the new retainer to match the old retainer. I was told by the mechanic at my local Ford dealer that I could just pop the old retainer off and put the new one on...no measuring/shimming.

Well after getting it all buttoned up and in the car there was play between the bearing race and the retainer and it made TONS of noise...I came to find out after the fact that they sell a shim kit for it.

Also, I ran pure ATF and the tranny was REAL noisy (I guess cause it was older - about 110k miles on it). So I dumped about 1qt. of the ATF and replaced it with straight gear oil so there's a mix of ATF and gear oil. It really quited down the trans and it has about 45k miles on it like that. Still shifts perfect, smooth, and hasn't popped out of gear one time.

The trans has total 155k miles and doesn't grind a single gear.

 

[bulletsneverlie]

Sweet. Good info. A buddy of mine runs lucas additive in his C6, actually seems to help. I filled the mtx on my mazda with lucas gear oil and it runs better than it ever did.