T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Topic: T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC (Read 6220 times) previous topic - next topic

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #15 – July 21, 2011, 03:39:12 PM

On a TC it takes about two hours from start to finish to remove the T-5. Drain it, remove the drive shaft, remove the shifter, remove any ancillary wiring and speedo cable, remove cross member, loosen and remove four bolts that secure T-5 to bell housing and bench press T-5 out of the car. From here you can take it to any person who has the knowledge to rebuild the tranny and you have saved yourself a lot of money.

If you cannot do this do to physical limitations, space limitations, tools, or turning wrenches is generally just not your thing then shop around and take it to whom you are most comfortable with which is not always Mr. Cheapo or the most expensive mechaic either. Ask for references and call them.

Darren

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #16 – July 21, 2011, 04:06:24 PM

OK, my mechanic at Firestone said they refer all their transmission work to
A-Transmission Masters with no negative feedback at all.
I s/w the mgr. there, & they only charge $250 to pull the trans, tear it down
for inspection, & replace it. Only other cost would be parts needed,
which I'm hoping will only be the 1-2 shift fork, fresh trans fluid, and sales
tax. Probably only be $500 max.:) If that's the case, then the next stop
will be to replace the exhaust with custom-bent stainless steel from the
cat back due to a couple of holes in the factory original exhaust! And still
spend the same or less than the original trans shop quoted. WooHoo.

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #17 – July 21, 2011, 06:37:30 PM

Quote from: '85T-BirdTurboCoupe;363741

#1: Why a Fox Mustang 4-cyl T-5?
Quote
Because it's the same as the transmission currently in your car. The V8 T5 has a larger diameter input shaft and different gearing better suited to the low end grunt of a 5.0 than it would be to your 4-cyl turbo
Quote
#2: I could spend $200 & that transmission could need worked on also!:(
Yeah, but you could buy five of 'em before you'd spend a thousand dollars
Quote
#3: I don't have the mechanical ability to remove/replace said transmission.:(
Dropping a T5 is easy, as others have said. However, if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself don't feel pressured. Everyone has their own skill level. A neurosurgeon might tell me brain surgery is easy :hick: That being said, if you have any friends that are mechanically inclined that you can coax into helping you for a case of beer you might try that route...
Quote
#4: I want to keep this TurboCoupe 100% factory original, so no shifter replacement!:)
I can see your point up to a point, but a shifter upgrade is a practical upgrade that will help keep you from bending another shift fork, will make the car more enjoyable to drive, and will not negatively affect the value or character of the car. And it's easily reversible, you can change shifters while sitting in the driver's seat.

Now with all that being said, if you can have it all done for under $500 go for it. The only thing you'll lose is the knowledge you'd gain by doing it yourself (with a friend's help, of course). If you've no interest in getting dirty there's no shame in that. To each his own. A shifter would still be a good idea though - it'd be insurance against having to pay that $500 again...

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #18 – July 21, 2011, 09:09:55 PM

FORD type F anyone!!!!!! Just a THOUGHT!!!

I think the blocking ring is the issue (cracked). If the fork was bent it would also effect first gear. Just me may be wrong.

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #19 – July 21, 2011, 09:50:33 PM

Quote from: hypostang;362719

Where did this information come from ?
I have never seen a T-5 in a ford with anything other than Dexron/mercon fluid from the factory , so I am curious .

you can also use SAE 50 engine oil as it wont break down and is thicker. straight from my tranny guy

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #20 – July 21, 2011, 10:42:29 PM

Quote from: TOM Renzo;363781

FORD type F anyone!!!!!! Just a THOUGHT!!!

I think the blocking ring is the issue (cracked). If the fork was bent it would also effect first gear. Just me may be wrong.

Yes, it's also a little hard going into 1st gear!! Just nothing like 2nd gear is.
After I get the transmission fixed next week, the headliner replaced in 2 weeks, and
the exhaust somewhere in between, there probably won't be any $$$ left over for a
new shifter!!:(
If there IS enough $$$ left over, what shifter is the best one y'all recommend,
and where is the best place to get said shifter?
Thanks!
Jeff

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #21 – July 22, 2011, 01:18:39 AM

While they're there, have the rebuilder toss in a steel bearing retainer...they're only about 45-50 bucks, and worth it, at that.

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #22 – July 22, 2011, 06:00:52 AM

Ok you did not mention First gear. So i just figured you were only dealing with second. Makes no difference because once the BOX is ripped down it will be the deciding factor.

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #23 – July 22, 2011, 08:44:20 AM

Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;363797

While they're there, have the rebuilder toss in a steel bearing retainer...they're only about 45-50 bucks, and worth it, at that.

I'm assuming this would be in place of a nylon plastic retainer?

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #24 – July 22, 2011, 08:45:50 AM

Quote from: TOM Renzo;363805

Ok you did not mention First gear. So i just figured you were only dealing with second. Makes no difference because once the BOX is ripped down it will be the deciding factor.

No doubt! I'm sure hoping the shift fork is all it needs, to keep the cost down.

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #25 – July 22, 2011, 10:59:05 AM

Quote from: '85T-BirdTurboCoupe;363812

I'm assuming this would be in place of a nylon plastic retainer?

No. It's the piece around the input shaft that holds a bearing. The stock one is aluminum, and will cause poor shifting, with mileage.
The transmission will be out, it's about a 2 minute job to replace it.

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #26 – July 22, 2011, 08:22:53 PM

Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;363818

No. It's the piece around the input shaft that holds a bearing. The stock one is aluminum, and will cause poor shifting, with mileage.
The transmission will be out, it's about a 2 minute job to replace it.

OK, thanks!

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #27 – July 26, 2011, 07:51:43 PM

OK, the results are in!
It was the shifter forks!
It should be all back together & out for the test drive in the morning.
Ready for pickup around 10:00 am.
Unfortunately, I'll be on my way to work at that time.:(
Won't be able to pick it up until after I get home from work
about 7:30. WooHoo!
Total cost only $320. Plenty of money left over to replace
my rusting factory original exhaust with 100% stainless steel
& a free-flowing ler!!

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #28 – July 27, 2011, 11:22:08 AM

Man that is fantastic news! When you get that exhaust going start another thread and post up on the details!

Darren

T-5 2nd gear problems on my '85 TC

Reply #29 – July 27, 2011, 02:43:21 PM

to answer your question, I love my steeda tri-ax shifter. the hurst short throw is nice too.