First introduced in the early 80’s, the T5 transmission is a 5-speed manual gearbox commonly found in GM, Ford and AMC Jeep vehicles. There are many different configurations and applications for this transmission, but the most popular by far is the Ford Mustang T5 transmission. So let’s look at the most common T5 transmission problems and specs.
What Transmission Do I Have?
T5 Transmission Applications
| Model |
|---|
| Chevy Blazer |
| Chevy Camaro |
| Chevy S10 |
| Chevy Trailblazer |
| Ford Mustang |
| Ford Thunderbird |
| Pontiac Firebird |
T5 Transmission Technical Specifications
Although this gearbox was used in a number of different vehicles, we’re going to focus on the Ford Mustang T5 transmission for this page.
Long favored for its lightweight design and durability, the Ford Mustang T-5 transmission is the quintessential Mustang gearbox. They were initially manufactured by Borg Warner, which eventually sold their manual transmission business to Tremec in 1995. There are a number of differences between different generations. Particularly between the 1983 – 1984 Ford Mustang T5 non-world class/NWC and the 1985 – Ford Mustang T5 world-class/WC.
The most obvious difference is the gear ratio between the two transmissions. However the T5 transmission was significantly overhauled in 1985 to improve its durability. To start the bronze synchro rings were replaced with steel rings that had fiber linings, and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears in the T5 WC got roller bearings. This change greatly reduced friction inside the gearbox and improved the shifting feel.
Note: Although the T5 transmission was used in four-cylinder vehicles and looks identical to one found in a V-8 application, the internals are not the same, and the smaller diameter pilot bearing will not be able to withstand the increased torque of a larger engine.
Stronger gears were added in 1990, and the 3rd and 4th gear synchro’s got a carbon fiber lining in 1992. These changes allowed the torque capacity to jump to 300 lb-ft. In 1994 and 1995, Ford also used different bell housings and longer input shafts.
The 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra T5 transmission/T5 Z transmission was a little bit different, as it had hardened gears and a different gear ratios. It also had a steel front bearing retainer and a short throw shifter.
T5 gear ratios
(Ford = 1983 – 1984/1985-1989/1990 – 2005/2005 – 2010)
1st = 2.95/3.35/3.35/3.75
2nd = 1.94/1.93/1.93/2.19
3rd = 1.34/1.29/1.26/1.41
4th = 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00
5th = 0.73/0.68/0.68/0.72
R = 2.76/3.15/3.15/3.31
T5 Z gear ratio
1st = 2.95
2nd = 1.94
3rd = 1.34
4th = 1.00
5th = 0.63
R = 2.76
Common T5 Transmission Problems
Excessive shift rail wear
Cracks and undetectable surface damage to the gear teeth, reverse slider and synchronizers
What Transmission Do I Have?
