Broken transmission! Repair or Swap? Ford Mustang II

After the test drive of a lifetime the little Mustang 2 was a little beat up! On this episode I tear into the transmission which is now lacking 4th gear. Time to either fix it or replace it. See how it goes.
keywords
lowrider
ford mustang
5 speed swap
tremec transmission
t5 swap
junkyard parts
thunderbird super coupe
deadline
daily driver
work truck
air ride
airride
bagged
4 link
linked
steelies and whitewalls
tucking rim
swag drop
The Dirthead Shed
P.O. Box 1025
Mead, wa. 99021

[@disophisis]

"I've never taken one of these apart before... let's just start taking it apart and see what happens" That's the spirit. I always get caught up in analysis paralysis.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It all works out in the end

[@disophisis]

@@thedirtheadshed Just need to swap in the 2.3 turbo now for a few extra ponies :)

[@Blackinterceptor999]

@@disophisis or an Eaton M90, it would be funny to hear a cammed 2.3 with a long tube header scream like a termi bolt on a 4 barrel carbie for fuel...So many option!

[@lifewithdogs7572]

Dave, our generations McGuyver. Give him a paper clip and some duct tape and he'll give you an air suspension. Hahaha

[@thedirtheadshed]

Haha. I appreciate your enthusiasm

[@ryanschmid3786]

Hey Dave thanks for representing the PNW!

[@thedirtheadshed]

No sweat!

[@davidjames2788]

Word.

[@darrellbaughman4806]

Nothing but props for you Dave. Knocking this out and editing the videos, working a regular job...you have some awesome time management skills :D

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Yeah. It’s a lot to juggle. I feel like the potential here on KZbin is worth the hustle though

[@MinnesotaisRust]

Seeing this on the rod makes me happy.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Me too

[@googleuser2170]

Cool stuff, never thought I would enjoy Mustang II content so much. You took an unloved car and not only gave it a new life, you made it a cool head turner and road trip car.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! I’m pretty surprised by it too.

[@JeffHarbert]

Sweet. I was hoping you'd end up with a T5 eventually. Nice work sorting through everything.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It didn’t fight too bad at all

[@bobbolieu9013]

I am very impressed. The body is in excellent shape.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It really is

[@DragonsFireMetalWorx]

nicely done Dave...nothing is more satisfying than swapping out junked components with stuff that the OE never intended or assumed was worth while... btw...that suspension drop looks killer

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! I was really stoked on this mod

[@scottattebury3824]

Dave nice to see the Cajon Speedway tee. I haven't thought about that place in years. Have some great memories there. You keep reminding me of the good times I had it in East county back in the 80's and 90's.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It was a fun meeting ground

[@Shaun_Taijeron]

Rocking the cajon speedway shirt, while working on a mustang II late at night. Bringing back memories lol

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep!! Bringing it back

[@BS.Wickman]

Dave sporting the Cajon Speedway tshirt, loved watching the pony stock (4 cylinder pintos) race there

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good times

[@thejrayhjr]

Went to a job the other day and found a mustang 2 laying in the field and couldn’t help but think of you Dave. Rad dude with some sick scooter skills.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s all working out!!!

[@Tactical_Pterodactyl_Knives]

As absolutely hideous as the Mustang II is that thing is ridiculously SICK! it looks incredible slammed sitting on the ground and the interior is so cool with that bright blue!

[@thedirtheadshed]

It had great character now

[@Tactical_Pterodactyl_Knives]

@thedirtheadshed agreed! Looking forward to progress on this and other projects!

[@trevormoseley8975]

I noticed you were wearing a Cajon speedway T-shirt. I forgot how close your shop was to it I wish they would’ve never closed it. Keep up the amazing content you’re doing great.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep. Right down the street! Thanks !

[@familytruckster2009]

I remember doing that swap back in the 90s on my buddies 79 notchback. Good times.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice. How did they like it?

[@familytruckster2009]

@@thedirtheadshed Much better overall. I can't remember the differences in gearing but it was much more drivable. I do remember that they got 35mpg- And it was quicker in the 1/4 mile than my 87 2.3 mustang.

[@keystoneweapon1]

Hey Dave, your four link job on this inspired me to doa custom 4 link on my 63 Ford Falcon… you have me the confidence to get choppin and welding on it! Thanks!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Take your time. Make sure it’s all safe and strong

[@d0peshow]

Dave is more comfortable fabricating things from scratch than i am bolting things in.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s good when it’s good

[@benjones3329]

Dave you work really hard you have a lot to be proud of. I hope what you’re doing on KZbin will allow you to quit you’re day job soon.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. It’s a hustle. It’s starting to pay off

[@phatdaddy1955]

When you first picked that turd up i thought, why? Now...why not!!!! Whats not to love! Great vid and thanks for inviting us along!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you’re digging it !

[@EdirtySicks]

Early Sunday morning after riding in Johnson Valley all Saturday. Coffee is hot, wife and kids are sleeping, and I’m really starting to dig the look of this most hated mustang. Maybe it’s just been so long since I’ve seen one. It’s like a mini version of my grandmas 73 LTD 2 door with a 460. I’m always learning something. Damn I need a real work shop.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Enjoy your day out there! I miss being close to the desert

[@CJ3USAF]

I love these types of videos just hanging out in shed 🤙

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you liked it. These are what I do most of

[@WrongWayDrywall]

Glad to hear you say ...gonna stop talking...don't talk about it be about it! Be about it while talking.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep.

[@markthomas4372]

Sweet Cajon Speedway shirt, I went there a bunch when I was a kid and raced at the rc car track that was next to it

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good times

[@Solvefunction]

Nice work, and I love the Cajon Speedway shirt, that place was rad

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you noticed it

[@jeepspeednate]

Dave! We met at sema 2023. Im always happy to see awesome video from the dirt head shed. Your always inspiring others to build and drive rad stuff.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for the support!

[@rediron44]

Great video with the Stang. Its a fun little project car. I love it

[@thedirtheadshed]

It really is!

[@h20cycle1]

All it took was Dave to make the Mustang II cool again, for the first time.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That car has such good style

[@Damage_Incorporated.]

Heck yeah Dude, a Live Stream Q & A session would be awesome, assuming Hazel would be there.

[@thedirtheadshed]

We would have no choice but to

[@alexcorona]

To get the smell out I use baking soda. Just place a large tray of soda into the car every time you’re not using it. Close all the windows. It’ll take a while but I’ve had success getting even the worse smells. Plus it’s cheap.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I always forget about that trick for some reason

[@JamesMcNamara-j1g]

You just made those turds worth 3x as much! Love it

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah!! It’s a cool little car now

[@ultra4suzukisamurai679]

Good upgrade! I helped a buddy years ago swap that same tranny into his 2.3 ranger.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice

[@otox58]

Thanks for sharing all the nitty gritty details. I bet it’s a pain to slow down, wash hands, set up the cameras, and talk about what you’re doing and did. But that’s what makes it awesome to watch.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! It is a total pain. But I’m enjoying it

[@nathanielbarbeau4821]

A turbo thunderbird/SVO type power plant in this car would be SICK!!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Oh yeah it would

[@mortimersnerd9991]

I think I paid $40 for the Borg Warner T-10 from a junk yard in '87 or so, but that was back when these cars were everywhere. I swapped it twice on my '77 II. Once because the first junk transmission was actually junk. The second seemed to work. I changed it with a tiny floor jack and worn out 12 point sockets. I thought the car was old back then.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Sounds like you made some memories with it

[@robracine6499]

You are getting good video angles, better steady shots, sound is more consistent, great how to footage.. Glad you are hittin a stride... just more effecient and better quality episodes. Nice work Dave... oh cool... Friday shows! ⚡ see you then

[@thedirtheadshed]

I think it gonna shoot for Fridays at 2. We will see if I can keep up the pace

[@motojunkie7243]

Every time I see you in someone else's video, your intro song starts playing in my background and it's awesome! Love the channel, super rad you and 4xfredwilliams still have the dirtheads growing! The little mustang is sweet, love the process🍻😎

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m stoked at how things are going. It’s a fun ride

[@J20J20]

That thing is so rad nice work once again Dave love ur vids 🇨🇦

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much. Tell your friends!

[@PNW_Car_Mods]

The million dollar question is can that poor old 2300 pull 5th gear? I'm guessing no haha. Unless you are going down hill at 70 lol. Great stuff. Love the spirit of this car!

[@thedirtheadshed]

It will on flat ground. But I’m quickly downshifting on hills

[@jesseswinney9643]

The turbo motor that came in front of that trans would be a nice addition to the mustang. More power and drivablity without running the character of the car.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I agree

[@sseibonnevilleman]

Dave, I’ve watched you build so many air bag suspensions and I’d love to see some sort of tutorial on what bags to use, and best practices for good bag life in an off road suspension vs a bagged Mustang II. I want to build a rear bag suspension similar to Moms Spaghetti in my XJ.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Great suggestion! I’ll do a walk through some of the basics

[@keithwight856]

The little car just keeps getting better nice work. This is just me taking but I’d love to see a lace pattern on the roof in the original blue that would be Rad

[@thedirtheadshed]

I have a plan for the roof. Coming soon

[@traviscurlutu7723]

Imagine if you could find a 2.3 carbonated turbo( 78-82 fox cars ). I've dabbled in stang 2's and early fox cars. Really love what you've done with this car. Keep up all the good work! If you happen apon a carbed turbo 2.3 make sure you get all the components from the donor car. ( 3 wire ignition module, redundant switch pack and correct turbo carb, distributor etc.) Factory they were 136 hp.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That sounds complicated for 136hp

[@tonyflorio3269]

Maybe a Thunderbird Turbo Coupe/T5 combo (190hp) or the related Mustang SVO motor would be better. These are fuel injected and intercooled and there were folks getting significantly more power out of them. Still the 2.3 ...

[@michaelsimpson3548]

The first thing at the beginning was T5 swap😉 Pls do a LED headlight swap for your safety on your early ways to work.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I have a set of Holley Retrobrites that I need to install

[@xozindustries7451]

Very cool, now you just need the rest of the thunderbird turbo coupe drivetrain to go into the mustang

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m on the lookout

[@nimas.1415]

Can’t believe I am watching Mustang 2 Videos! Keep them coming! 😂

[@thedirtheadshed]

Caught ya lookin!

[@dannay8217]

Hey thx for representing El Cajon speedway old school. On the t shirt. Brother. Thx.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Keepin it real

[@MrLangleylad]

New subscriber and loving your channel from here in beautiful BC !

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on! Welcome to the shed

[@mazevx2451]

Hey nice swap! A Q&A would interesting

[@thedirtheadshed]

Noted!

[@TargaWheels]

Nice. Only need hand tools, a drill and hacksaw or cutoff wheel....and a file.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s about it

[@colubrinedeucecreative]

So cool! Nice fix there. Sad you kind of got shafted on the T4, found exactly why they sold it the hard way, and well it worked out for the best.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s old cars for you

[@wtkminitruckgarage6612]

Dig all of the content you produce. Q&A would be rad . I’d love to see some more hardbody progress and that mustang is the cats pyjamas 👌

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. It’s been a fun car

[@normp3273]

Finally I found you on youtube! Subscribed!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Much appreciated! Hope ya dig it

[@normp3273]

@@thedirtheadshed I'll always dig it. Everything you do is gold. I'm still pissed at MotorTrend. And lastly, I always learn something from you. Thanks.

[@Stretchmobile]

Dave, swap the tailshaft out with a late Camaro T5 tailshaft, and the shifter will be closer to the stock position.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good advice

[@pattybeeman]

That is awesome! It is always nice to have a repair win like that where everything goes smoothly. (for once)

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right! This was almost too easy

[@christopherhess8523]

​ Price was nice with a driveshaft , but the fact that it was that simple of a swap and the transmission worked is tremendous! Great job and rad ride.

[@hbrc3867]

I always liked the mustang ii body style and honestly pintos too lol Thanks for doing this the option of an upgraded bolt in tranny is awesome 👌

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you dig it

[@johnvilleneuve7944]

Dave’s diy Mustang II T5 swap guide ! Badass that it worked out so easy ! Thanks Dave

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you liked the video

[@paulhardman2515]

Awesome job Dave! Great video. I bet that T5 will be much nicer to drive.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It definitely rounds it out a lot more

[@drewburgess525]

I didn’t realize it was a 4 speed!!!! Best car ever!!! A 2.3 4 speed II is my dream daily

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. It’s a fun little cruiser

[@TJSTEDMAN]

You're doing great The simplicity and the relatable projects for a regular guy at home are a couple reasons this is one of my favorite channels you'll have to touch base on what you do for work during the week and how you're able to take a bunch of time off for events with out getting fired haha A Q&A would be good

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@TheWalkmanRotation]

You do some amazing stuff. I was wondering where you were from and when you cruised by Wallace I was like-"whaaaaaaat??" I'm in Spokane. Your metal work is amazing. I'd love to have to you work on my 914 I just saved from Hood River.Or.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice. I’m pretty close by

[@danrossi6554]

such an underrated classic! I loved my cobra IIs over the years...keep her rollin

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s the goal!

[@wackowacko8931]

First thing I thought when you said the trans went out was to swap it to a T-5 out of a turbo T-bird. I think those are World Class T-5s also, but not sure. Too bad you couldn't get the Turbo 2.3 and the 8.8 posi rear also.

[@thedirtheadshed]

One piece at a time!

[@coonlakebackwoods]

Nice swap on the little deuce.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks 👍

[@aguyinnc2865]

Loving the Mustang, Dave, I can really relate to what you are doing. Except for the air bags lol. Way back in the 70's, I was still driving my first car, a '65 Mustang GT. Rebuilt the engine and trans in shop class at my local community college, then less that a year later, an 18 wheeler wanted the lane I was in. Sooo, the motor wasn't hurt, I went out and bought a '67 Mustang, manual tranny with a six in it. Proceeded to begin swapping my 289 in the '67, wanting to keep the three speed manual, so I went parts hunting. Junk yard,d different shops, a few new pieces cause I didn't have much money. I ended up with parts from Mustangs '65 through '68. Found out a '63 bell housing wouldn't work. Had to modify some parts, swapped the '65 rear end in it, made this and that, and ended up with a driving car. The '67 was almost the same color as your Mustang II. Looked just as bad lol. Drove that car for a couple of years until I moved on to something else. Wish I had kept it. Now I have a '73 Mach 1 I drive to cruise ins and cars shows.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice work! Making things happen

[@aguyinnc2865]

@@thedirtheadshed yea, just don't have anything for off road lol.

[@buurje5350]

Damn cool ford😎 sold my Galaxie 63,5 2 years ago😬 cheers from Sweden 🍻

[@thedirtheadshed]

Time for another one!

[@jpk1962]

Nice to see something tiurn out easy for onece for you. Love the content. Gives this old Aussie so much inspiration.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. Hope your projects are going smoothly as well

[@mill1901]

I've got a T5 to 2.3l bellhousing if you're interested. I think it's a little bit deeper than than the SROD bellhousing and would help with the driveshaft yoke engagement.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I appreciate it. Right now I’m going to just drive it as is

[@Tippyb97]

Thats a great trans upgrade. Great content as usual.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. Glad you liked

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

Dude that was a slick swap the car gods were smiling on you .😊

[@thedirtheadshed]

They were! It was perfect

[@stephengriffin-ci3fy]

I love your Cajon Speedway shirt. I spent many Saturday nights there. Nothing but a parking lot now. New is not better.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It was a great place

[@Endraven_Prime]

Great content! Now Turbo Coupe swap that junk!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Give it time

[@goinpro1]

Dirthead Dave aka Mechanical Mustang Manager

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m just keeping it on the road

[@davidcombs8458]

Whoa! I have that same Cajon Speedway tshirt in gray. 17:08

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice!

[@mrbill8542]

Ford ranger rears are 1" wider than yours but would probably fit, and most have much taller ratios too. They are a dime a dozen in all the junkyards .Would work great with that new 5 speed OD !!

[@thedirtheadshed]

They would require me to do a 5 lug swap in the front too. And get new wheels

[@josephprentice8354]

We are slightly different people compared to regular people lol most people don't consider a 4 hr trans swap crazy most people aren't also swapping their transmissions lol ready for those weekly vids

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m trying to keep up on the weekly videos. It’s basically a full time job

[@josephprentice8354]

@thedirtheadshed just don't over work yourself Dave

[@s7courier]

It was a nice clean exchange and you lucked out on the front shaft modification and getting the new drive shaft to fit. Great job. Loved the video.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you liked it

[@SystemofaDowns]

Hey it's you!! 🤘😆🤘

[@thedirtheadshed]

There you are

[@FenzoMac]

Sweet upgrades bro!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! The trans was a win

[@TripleXclown]

I’d love seeing you Ecoboost that old M2.. bet someone following you has one from a wrecked Mustang..

[@thedirtheadshed]

That would be a hoot

[@SignShopTalk]

Great video as always! If you're in the midwest and have time to swing up to MN I can hook you up with some 2.3 turbo goodies :)

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for the offer!

[@jameshall4385]

Sweet. Now you need to swap in the 2.3 turbo svo engine to complete the job

[@thedirtheadshed]

Baby steps

[@YouGotsTheRabies]

Some people pay money for an oil undercoating. This car did it on its own and stayed preserved!

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s a true fact

[@clstjam4321]

Very cool! Back in the late 80sI had a 75 Mustang II with a 302 and a the first thing I bought for it was a T5. Which really made driving the car more enjoyable especially on longer trips. If you do swap the rear axle, find a Ford 8 inch from a Mustang II, way stronger and worth it.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s the plan

[@clstjam4321]

@@thedirtheadshed Dave, I've always thought that a modern 2.3 ecoboost would be an awesome swap into one of these things. Keeping it a 4cyl, but a 4cyl that makes 310 hp. If you could find one in the salvage yard I bet it would be a really cool swap.

[@junkyardjoe1994]

With the leaks that poor thing has I'm surprised you didn't just pull the complete drivetrain. Those ole cologne motors leak like mad!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I want to keep it on the road and enjoy it. I have a ton of other projects that need attention too

[@JeffSmith-pr1st]

A Turbo coupe engine would be really cool in this car!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yes it would

[@DarkHawk666]

Love your hustle and grind bro, keep it up. Are you allowed to show us a snippet of your day job?

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. I just work on trucks and jeeps. Nothing top secret

[@joeboonen7421]

Love it when a plan comes together! Awesome video Dave.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you, me too

[@curtissmith5924]

Great content! I'm rather new to this channel, but am loving this build. Keep it up, and can't wait to see more!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you’re digging iy

[@Roburtm]

Heck yea! Love that lil mustang.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@GummeeH3]

I have tranmission envy. Just did the throwout bearing and clutch on my Ram 2500 with the NV4500. Boat. Anchor.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Those are good transmissions.

[@GummeeH3]

@@thedirtheadshed not when you're on your back under your truck in the driveway they're not. Then they're heavy pieces of junk that don't want to go back where they came from. It's even worse when you can't get the transfer case off and you have to install both at once

[@jefroa]

Keeps getting better and better. 🤙🏽

[@thedirtheadshed]

I agree

[@a351must2]

If you're really good at scrounging for kinda hard to find parts, the T5 from a 300Z has the correct shifter location, but the wrong speedometer cable hole. All you need is the tailshaft from it. I've T5 swapped 3 Mustang IIs over the years with varying degree of easiness/difficulty. Shifter location always bugs me, but with your skills you should have no problem making a shift lever that puts the knob in a decent location. I say varying degrees of difficulty because: 1) 351W + SROD 4spd Bell + Tremec 3550 = easy. 2) 5.0L + Mustang II bell + '88 Mustang T5 = not as easy. 3) 2.3L Turbo + 96 GT Bell and 5.0L clutch/flywheel conversion + 96 GT transmission = hard. For rears... 9" from late 50's Galaxy or Fairlane, obviously any 8" Mustang II, or ... pretty much any rear from 60's Mustangs. 64.5 to I think 66 or 67 are the same width and 68/69 are 2" wider. All those are practically bolt in if your suspension was stock. Since you have already modified the suspension I guess you could run anything that's near the right width so 8.8" is a pretty obvious option too. I just run a 4.11 posi 8" behind my 2.3L Turbo, the car's not very heavy and it'll most likely never see a drag strip. From my experience though, an 8" will likely break before the T5 does but I've only broken one behind a V8 and regularly no-lift shifted it.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m on the hunt for a 4 lug pinto 8”

[@a351must2]

@@thedirtheadshed There was a 4 lug MII 8" rear along with a bunch of other parts for $100 near Seattle on one of the facebook MII groups ("1974-1978 mustang II parts for sale only"), but I believe someone is picking it all up this weekend. Sorry for only having a "was".

[@danielcarroll5667]

Winning ! Probably woulda cost at least $300 to rebuild the old one plus now you got another gear to row !

[@thedirtheadshed]

Exactly

[@anthonyacevedo8366]

Dave put a 2.3 turbo n t5 trans and have that thing looking good and having some nice power with a hairdryer

[@thedirtheadshed]

Turbo seems to be the hot thing these days

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

Flashback! I had a newer version of this setup waaay back. 84 capri bubbleback. That little plastic clip that the fork goes over broke on me, locked it in 3rd. While I was on a delivery! Lost my job. Got a transmission from a courier for parts.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Some good memories, some bad I’m sure. But all good stories

[@zigz0911]

Macks Standard transmission in Houston probably would have parts, but you likely would have paid more for the parts than the 5 speed cost...

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m pretty sure the case was ruined from lack of oil

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

Now all you need is the turbo setup to go with the trans.

[@thedirtheadshed]

True

[@mendezsamuel95]

Butter jeep watching you work on the mustang like 🤕

[@thedirtheadshed]

That poor thing…. Soon enough

[@fredbryant8165]

A friend had a Mustang II in college (early 80's) I liked the car but a deer jumped in the passenger seat and totaled it

[@thedirtheadshed]

I bet. That’s scary