• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

TK5 to Mazda M50D-R1 swap?


Dan B.

January 2012 STOTM Winner
V8 Engine Swap
MTOTM Winner
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
275
Reaction score
22
Points
18
Age
47
Location
Armagh, PA
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
387 Windsor
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Working on the latest 1986 2.3L, 2wd, Tk5 project. Now have it running great...or as good as a 2.3L can run.

Now that the other issues are tackled, the problem of a super sloppy TK5 shifter needs fixed. I've called around and cannot find a new shifter anywhere. Since I have two parts truck setting outside that are both 1990, 2.3L, 2wd, M50D 5 speed I've thought about just swapping one of those into the 1986.

Is this a reasonable solution to eliminate the sloppy TK5 shifter (otherwise the trans is quiet and works well) or keep looking for a replacement shifter? I've read some threads with fix hacks to the TK5 to make the shifter tight again. May even explore that.

Just looking for ideas. Thanks.
 


4x4junkie

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
10,749
Reaction score
580
Points
113
Location
So. Calif (SFV)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9L V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
35x12.50R15
I've not looked into the availability of shifter parts for the TK5, but the M5OD definitely would be a worthwhile swap if you got one on hand. There is likely a length difference between the two, so if the M5OD donor is not the same body style (wheelbase), you may need to source a driveshaft from a different donor that is the same body as yours for it to work.
 

Dan B.

January 2012 STOTM Winner
V8 Engine Swap
MTOTM Winner
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
275
Reaction score
22
Points
18
Age
47
Location
Armagh, PA
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
387 Windsor
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
I have TWO donor trucks that are both 2.3L/M5OD and match the wheelbase of the 1986 2.3L/TK5 project truck. So I have no shortage of 5 speed's....or four cylinders! May just do the swap since I don't have much else going on in the garage this winter.
 

Shran

Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
8,636
Reaction score
4,702
Points
113
Location
Rapid City SD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
I'd do it in a heartbeat. There will be no shortage of M5OD parts in the near future... Any other trans that came in an RBV is disposable in my book, they're fine until they're not and at that point you're money, time and frustration ahead by doing the swap.
 

Ranger-Roush

New Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2020
Messages
9
Reaction score
2
Points
3
Location
Upstate NY
Vehicle Year
2004
Make / Model
Ford ranger
Transmission
Manual
I agree the M50D is the best way to go. I had a 89 ranger with the tk5 and it blew 5th gear through the side of casing at 150k miles. The M50D is a solid tranny and I have yet to have any issues with it in any of the 3 rangers we have.
 

Daniel Black

Active Member
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Jan 28, 2017
Messages
288
Reaction score
44
Points
28
Location
Leicester, NC
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
302
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
205/60R15 & 225/60R15
The trans and driveshaft from the donor should fit fine. If I remember right you'll have to modify the plate in the floor or maybe the one from the donor will fit the '86. The shifter is further back on the TK than the M5OD. I doubt the straight M5 shifter would clear the ashtray if you ever have it slid out. I think all the M5s were made for a speed sensor instead of a speedometer gear like your TK but I'm not 100% sure. I bought a wrecked '98 Ranger a few years ago cheap to swap the trans into my '86 but all the little things started to add up to the point that I found a metal TK-4 shifter and made it work in my TK-5. I'd like to know how this turns out.
 

4x4junkie

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
10,749
Reaction score
580
Points
113
Location
So. Calif (SFV)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9L V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
35x12.50R15
1997 was the last year the M5OD had a port for the speedometer cable (2WD).
 

turbo91xlt

Active Member
RBV's on Boost
Joined
Dec 14, 2014
Messages
534
Reaction score
63
Points
28
Location
Goshen, NY
Vehicle Year
1991

1992
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
1st gens could also have an m5od trans ('88 1st year) so you're fine with ashtray clearance haha. Stick to '97 or older trans.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top