Swapping in a T5 Transmission in a Mustang - PART 1 of 2

[@superpapi]

Woah!!! I would have never tackled this alone. Fantastic job! I can't wait to see Part 2.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GeoffTheGiraffe]

I remember installing my 91' T-5 last year... It didn't even last a month behind a built 302. The abuse I gave it probably didn't help either haha. I spent last summer cutting up my transmission tunnel in order to fit a Tremec TKO. Sure its stronger! but the T-5 was damn smooth compared to the TKO. Keep up the great work Andy!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! I wish I was able to find an older T5 like what you had instead of the 2001 unit I purchased. I had to spend quite a bit more to get this to work. Oh well, it's only money. :)

[@vTxpyrotecnic]

I am looking at getting a 91 T-5 for my stock 302. My first swap. What all, if anything, did you have to change in order to install? Thanks in advance!

[@Mike-sh2dg]

love the videos! I did a c4 to T5 swap on my 65 2 years ago. A lot of physical work but well worth it. Looking forward to part 2.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks 👍 Once you dig in an get a feel for the work, the swap is not as overwhelming as it appears on the surface. An Auto to Manual swap is probably only 10% more work, most of it being the pedal assembly install. :)

[@PeakPerformanceEngineering]

Thanks for this video, I have a 5.0 EFI and AOD in my 65 and I'm swapping the AOD for the T5 this winter so this video helps give me some insights although Im planning to pull the whole engine/trans together and do a bit of cleanup on the 5.0 and painting while its all out.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

That's smart, taking the time to clean and service everything under the car is the best way to go. I kind of got in a hurry and wish I had done more. Oh well, next time. :)

[@kevins7791]

Great video! I really like the angles and explanation of everything you did. This will help me immensely when I replace my clutch and noisy pilot bushing in my 65 Mustang with 4 speed toploader in the near future.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Awesome, I glad to hear that you're able to pull some good info from the video. Good luck with the upcoming project!

[@SmackeysGarage]

Great video! Love the idea of a 5 speed swap.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Glad you liked it! :)

[@bobgox]

thanks for another interesting detailed vid, very informative !

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobgox]

@@AndyKruseChannel absolutely !!

[@prestonwolff1141]

I'm currently finishing up doing a t5 swap from the 3 on the tree in my 66 impala and might I say your trans removal looked eerily similar to mine hahaha mine fell off my floor jack to the ground though! Didn't even think of putting a ratchet strap around it!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Haha, yeah it's those obvious things that make sense once you see it, but until then it doesn't seem obvious. I still struggled with it, but it was better than dropping it on my hand. :)

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

You have gotten into fantastic shape 👏 👍. Very ambitious project.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! Yes, and it snowballed a little from there too. :) Oh well, it's only money.

[@finalmage6]

I'd love to go to a T5 on my '68, but nothing is really wrong with my C4 and going from auto to manual is not a job I'm not really confident enough to do and not mess up! Nice video!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! I see the largest hurdle is turning yourself into a pretzel to fit under the dash to swap out the peddle assembly. Everything else is cake. :)

[@brandonduke1903]

Why'd you choose to use jack stands over using the Quick-Jacks? Just curious. I plan on doing a T5 conversion on my 66 Auto. Modern Driveline quoted me just over 4K for a complete conversion kit from an automatic transmission. Looking forward to your next video!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Great question! For this project I need access to all areas under the car, and more specifically the middle section. The Quick Jacks are great for work at the front or rear of the car, but if you need in the middle then it can be difficult. Also, the Quick Jacks don't allow for access to the middle of the car from the side, you'd have to come in from either end of the car. Because of this issue, I have to plan out my mods/upgrades because if I need to get to the middle then I probably can't use the Quick Jacks. Getting the complete kit from MDL is a really good option (if you've got all the money up front). Looking back, I could have done this for about $2500 with better planning, the right year range of the T5, and sourcing some used parts. But, it's only money, we learn best from our mistakes. :) I hope the next video is not too long for you. I had over 2 hours of un-edited footage (over 40GB) , I had to cut a lot of stuff out, but the important stuff is there. :)

[@regu1849]

Very informative, thanku

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Most welcome!

[@benharper1682]

ok so I am installing an explorer long block into my 66, and I am using the 2001 V6 T5 as well. My question is where do you get that speedometer box?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Dakota Digital will have what you need to convert the electric signal from your T5 to a mechanical speedometer cable that will connect to your gauge cluster. :)

[@Donny.C.wlWilliams]

Did the t5 conversion from mdl but am struggling with getting the clutch set- up .I literally have to put the pedal to the floor when I release pedal it probably has less then 3/8" before clutch engages any suggestions @ andy ? It's like I have no working room between biting and releasing

[@AndyKruseChannel]

What type of clutch mechanism do you have? Zbar, Cable, or Hydraulic?

[@Donny.C.wlWilliams]

@@AndyKruseChannel hydraulic all mdl recommended parts

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@Donny.C.wlWilliams My guess is to double check the installation instructions and make sure you setup the slave cylinder the way they instruct to install it (paying attention to bottoming out the push rod in the cylinder against the clutch throw lever). Also, make sure the pushrod in the slave cylinder is properly set in the clutch lever and that the clutch lever is where it needs to be. Next, really give it the 'ol college try on bleeding the system. I found that I spent quite a bit of time bleeding the system, doing it again, and then doing it again. There seems to be a right amount of pressure put on the plunger when pumping in new hydraulic fluid with the syringe where you're not too fast or too slow. I went through a full liter of hydraulic fluid trying to get it right. I may have not needed to use all that fluid, but my clutch is working perfectly.

[@Donny.C.wlWilliams]

@@AndyKruseChannel okay thanks

[@mikeytuns]

Hey Andy- I have a question. I’m currently trying to take off the rear differential on my dad’s 66 mustang (it’s never been taken off, it’s rusty as usual). My issue is this: I disconnected the driveshaft from the yoke and it’s just now the differential itself. When i try to pry it off the diff, it won’t slide off like it should. It feels like something is holding it on and i have no idea what it could be. Maybe the gears are holding it on? I’m currently stumped by this and I’m not sure how to get it off. Any ideas or solutions would be greatly appreciated brotha, i appreciate it!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Were you able to pull the drive shafts out from each side? You don't need to remove the whole drum assembly, just the drum and there's 4 bolts holding each axle in place. Pull those 4 bolts and gently yank the axle out, do the same on the other side of the car. If you already did that, then my guess is the sealant used to hold the third member to the rear axle housing. A chisel, a hammer, and some patience should help break it free. Heads up, leave one nut on one of the studs (not tightened down, just on turn it a few threads) before you break the third member free so it doesn't fall on your face. :)

[@thelastfalconer]

What issues did you face with the flywheel?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

The flywheel I had was 164T, and I was told by Modern Driveline that I should be using the 157T unit. The OD is essentially the same, but the tooth thickness was fractionally larger, and therefore beefier. The starter works the same, no issues there. Also, by getting the new flywheel, I was sure that the clutch would bolt up with no issues. I probably could have made my stock flywheel work, but having all the parts that are known to work together was great to have. By this point in my T5 swap, another $200 wasn't going to kill the project. :)

[@yomodar4669]

How much would you think this could optimally cost if you really plan and get good deals? 17 years old rn and I wanna do this swap to my dad's 66 but man it seems like a task and a half

[@AndyKruseChannel]

The work is fairly easy, and I hope this video and the part 2 video help show what has to be done. For the cost, I can be all over the map depending on how good of deal you can get on used parts. I bought a lot of new parts and I also bought the wrong transmission (meaning it would have been cheaper to get the 1984-1994 T5 instead of the later years). Budget at least $2000, but I'm sitting in this project at about $4500. Also, I later needed to remove the clutch cable conversion and go to a hydraulic setup, that added $500 to my project. While I'm very happy to have the T5 in the car (having that 5th gear where I live is especially nice), the money could have been put to better use on other parts for the car.

[@CARSONBOARD]

Where do you recommend to buy the t5 transmission? Also how can you identify it's a 83-94?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

If you have the money, I'd buy it from places like MDL or other companies that specialize in T5s. I purchased the unit on this video from a guy off Craigslist. Other than buying the wrong year of trans, the unit was good and all I did was get a rebuild kit for it for piece of mind. You can tell which generation it is by the speedometer port. If it's near the shifter assembly, you've got the "right year". If it's close to the trans housing (the part with all the gears), then you've got the 94-04 unit that came in the V6 cars. I believe the T5 offered in the V8 cars after 94 still work, but there's a lot less of those units. Also, there should be a tag on the side of the trans housing with numbers on it. On the second row of numbers, it should start with 13 52 and then three more numbers (seen as 1352-XXX). You can look this number up on line and find out which car that unit came from. There are lots of sites out that break down the info for you. Good luck!! :)

[@CARSONBOARD]

@@AndyKruseChannel So I picked up a T5 on Facebook for sale threads for $300. The tag serial number is 1352-238 I looked it up and it says it’s Ford Mustang V6 3.8 WC world class. It has the speedo gear by the shifter assembly like you said. My question what do I tell the transmission shop when I have them rebuild. What input shaft and rebuild kit do I have them install? I’ll be using MDL complete auto to Manuel swap kit for my 1966 6 bolt bell housing 289 mustang like you. How long dose the input shaft need to be to work with the MDL bell housing? Do I order the rebuild kit form the 84-85 mustang 5.0 rebuild kit? Also how much did it coast you to get the transmission rebuild and input shaft installed?

[@CARSONBOARD]

@@AndyKruseChannel Also my case year model is 1996 it’s a flower looking circle with the number 96

[@AndyKruseChannel]

​@@CARSONBOARD The unit you purchased is the V6 T5 which is essentially identical to the one I bought in this video. When sourcing parts for this install, go for parts that are for the 83-93 trans. The rebuild kit, clutch, bellhousing, etc all need to be for the T5s that are older than the 1996 unit you have. While you can use the Bellhousing (if it came with the T5), it will put your trans about 3/4" farther back in the car, causing issues with your crossmember mount and possibly where the shifter assembly pokes through the floor. Your best bet is to source an input shaft (and bearing retainer) for the 83-93 T5. You can buy the same crossmember I bought off ebay and modify it like I did for my build (I made a separate video for that crossmember). I don't think MDL sells a crossmember that is specifically for putting your T5 in the car, this is because of the mount "feet" on the under side of the tailshaft and where they are located (again, see my video). I think you might have the wrong speedo gear location as someone would have to change the mainshaft and tailshaft housing to put the correct speedo gear for what you are looking for. You'll likely have to do the same converter I had so the speedometer can work with the trans. Unless you have a digital speedo in your gauge cluster, you'll need that converter box. Aside from the crossmember, I think MDL has everything you'll need to make this swap work. I bought most of my parts from them when I did the swap. My email is in the About tab on my homepage if that helps. :)

[@MatSciMinded]

Are you planning to sell the 4-speed?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I already did. With the interest I've received since, I feel like I may have let it go for too little. :)

[@MatSciMinded]

@@AndyKruseChannel Maybe you just found the right buyer. I'm sure location plays into the price, but earlier this year I came close to driving to CA to pay $3k for a nice one. Thanks for the reply!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@MatSciMinded Wow, I definitely gave it away. :) All the parts that came off the car during this swap, I put them together as a "kit" for anyone that was wanting to upgrade from an Auto to Manual, and it was about 95% complete. There were a few small items they would have needed for the swap. While the Trans was easily the big ticket item, I sold everything for $1100.

[@Punk-Jw]

You may have gained a gear, however that t5 is half the trans that t10 is...Its no where near as strong. I've blown many. If your running a mild engine and dont plan to be very rough on it, than sure it'll be fine and will give you the extra gear. But this isnt a solution for everyone.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Sounds good, thanks for the info.

[@Punk-Jw]

@@AndyKruseChannel no prob. How have you liked it so far? Your running a mild engine anyway aren't you? I'm trying to build a budget race/daily truck right now that i haven't decided on a trans yet..i really want a t56 but 🤣 t56 and budget build don't fit in the same sentence! I might be able to swap gears in an NV with another nv so they aren't so short, or I've been considering a 6 speed manual out of a v6 mustang. Or miata. Idk, they might even be the same trans. I know the one to the ecoboost mustangs and the miatas are the same. How much taller is your final gear with the t5 from the t10?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@Punk-Jw This video was of my previous Mustang, and it had a mild engine build (upgraded carb, intake, headers, and exhaust). Agreed, this trans is not the best option for those wanting to build a faster car, but it's all in how you drive it. I'm not interested in banging through the gears or dropping the clutch at 5k to light up the rear tires. After watching Paul Cangialosi talk about these transmissions and what they're capable of, I knew I'd have now issue with it in my car. So much so that I just got done swapping one into my current Mustang. :)