ford trans question?

[Russell Stover]

I have an f150 with a five speed. It does not slide into first gear real easy. All the other gears are fine and the clutch feels fine but first is kind of a struggle. Its a 96 with 80,000 miles

 

[Otto J]

Hows reverse?

 

[blackplague]

Check the fluid level!!!

Check the fluid level before it's too late. That trans is a m5od. They have 3 rubber plugs in the top cover where the shift rails are. What happens is they start to leak, but you don't see it untill it's too late. They can be a VERY BIG repair bill.

The fill plug and drain plug are on the drivers side, clearly marked. The fluid level should be level at the bottom of the fill plug.

 

[Russell Stover]

well I guess I should use a little common sence and check the fluid. I just figure if it was low it would have a problem with all of the gears. By the way I have heard a couple of different ideas on what fluid it takes. Which fluid is best for it? thanks for the help

 

[blackplague]

You can either run

Dextron 3 or SAE 30. If you decide on SAE 30 you will need to change the fluid more frequently. No synthetic or you may run into gear grinding.

I think you may be shocked when you check the fluid level. A lot of people are $$$$$$

 

[Russell Stover]

thanks a lot for the info. I did a post on the f150 site and go nothing.
Thanks again

 

[Russell Stover]

so I changed the fluid today and it was full. When I took out the fill plug some fluid came out. I changed it anyways and still first does not slide in real easy like all the rest of the gears do. Sometime at a stop you have to fight with it a little to go in but it does not grind at all. By the way I used the dextron 3 Any more ideas??


Thanks in advance
Russell

 

[Otto J]

Does the clutch pedal feel right? If the hydraulics are going bad it will do the same thing, Try pumpping the pedal a few times then put it in gear, If it is eaisier there is air is the system, Check under the dash ,and pull the boot back on the slave master and make sure its not leaking, also check ans make sure no fluid i leaking out of the bell housingas hte slave is part of the throw out bearing assembly/

 

[LV GN]

all this from a cabnet maker?

 

[Otto J]

Originally posted by LV GN
all this from a cabnet maker?

Must have sawdust on the brain