Hi,

I am thinking of replacing (or rebuilding) my standard transmission on a 1997 F-150 V6.

1. where/how can I learn about transmission options for my truck?
2. is the dealer the only place to get a new one?
3. are rebuilt ones as good as a new one?
4. what is the general cost difference
5. what would you do if you wanted to keep this truck for-ever?

Thanks for your help.

 

Why are you replacing it? It's a standard trans, as long as your clutch is good, and your synchromesh gears are still working, there really is no need to replace it. The little v6 doesn't really put out enough power to do any damage to them. So they last forever.

 

Thank you TLB4, I started learning about synchromesh gears right away..the reason, I thought, was because, when the truck is in idle, it is next to impossible to shift from neutral to 1st, or to any other gear. Only when it is in motion, I can shift to any gear. I am willing to do anything if it is easy to repair some part of it. From what you said, i might be able to do it. Please advice, and thanks again.

 

If you're having trouble with shifting into first mainly, it's probably either your clutch is worn and not totally engaging / disengaging, or slave cylinder is leaking. Those are the two main issues that arise from that problem. Your transmission is called the M5OD (Manual 5 Speed with Over Drive) and it's pretty common. I'm guessing you aren't the most mechanically inclined so you can either A - look into these problems and try and figure out if either apply or if it's some other problem. B- Just get a new trans from a wrecker and install it, or C- Just let a shop deal with it, and pay for it.

Just do some research and really learn what you're getting into. I'm sure there are some other forums about this issue out there.

 

Could you please explain more clearly if your having problem moving the gear selector lever when the vehicle is not moving? Is that correct? Can you shift to all gears freely while the ignition is on, engine off with your foot on the brakes?

The transmission is electronic so you should able to shift to all gears freely unless the manual control lever assembly is damage. A total wrecked tranny can still shift to any gear but the problem is it won't engage unless the Coast Clutch assembly is totally damaged or burnt which I don't think can happen because it's a fail safe system.

Check the smell & color of the tranny fluid. Can you smell any burnt odor?

 

Thanks wolvez, I will explain.

The car's engine is running, i am in neutral, cannot put into first gear, or any other gear. I giggle a lot to all gears and finally are able to to forcefully put it into first gear or other gears. This happens after every stop. When going into reverse gear, it is also hard but it "scratches" the gears and goes into it OK. Basically ALL gears are hard to get into from being in a stopped condition with the engine running, the pedal on the brake, the clutch fully depressed. It shifts all gears OK after it is moving though. Plus, if I shift into first before I stop, then obviously it works fine.

Thank you for you help. Appreciated much.