The M5R2-RKE is a top shift, fully synchronized, five-speed
manual transmission, equipped with an overdrive fifth gear ratio. 3.75-first
gear, 2.32-second gear, 1.43-third gear, 1.00-fourth gear, .75-fifth gear,
and 3.26-reverse gear. All gear changes including reverse are accomplished
with synchronizer sleeves. The transmission main case, top cover, and extension
housing are constructed of aluminum alloy. Steel bearing race inserts provide
durability in appropriate areas. The extension housing contains a bronze
alloy bushing. This bushing cannot be serviced. The extension housing must
be replaced as a unit if the bushing requires service.
The M5R2-RKE was used in all 1989-1995 Ford Thunderbird Supercoupes
equipped with 5-speed manual transmission.
The teardown and rebuild of the M5R2 requires only a few special
tools. Aftermarket suppliers of the "base" rebuild kits use the base part
number of 248 for the Bearing, Gasket & Seal Kit. Different suppliers
will add letters to the base part numbers when options are added like Bearing
kit with rings etc...Ford has discontinued the sale of the OEM brass blocking
rings with fiber lining. The transmission aftermarket supplies only brass
blocking rings without the fiber lining.
The M5R2-rke Thunderbird transmission shares the blocking rings with
the F150 M5R2 transmission. 1st - 4th blocking rings are the same while
5th and reverse are different. 1st - 4th gear blocking rings are 51 tooth
rings while 5th gear blocking ring is 42 tooth with every 14th tooth missing
so it only has 39 teeth. Reverse is also a 42 tooth blocking ring with
every 13th and 14th tooth missing. Note: The Ford OEM F150 blocking
rings can be used for 1st - 4th if you purchase four of the part number
F1TZ-7107-G.
Most of the aftermarket 248 kits come with almost everything you need to do a basic rebuild. You will need to get a set of locking nuts for the Mainshaft and Countershaft as the 248 kits do not come with them. Ford part numbers are E8TZ-7N170-A for the Countershaft locking nut and E8TZ-7B364-A for the Mainshaft locking nut. Also not included are the replacement washers for the oil fill and oil drain plugs part number E8TZ-7N037-C (2 are needed). Also Loctite 510 Gasket Eliminator High Temperature Flange Sealant will be needed to seal the tailhousing and other parts during assembly. Note: If you do have fiber blocking rings always add a bottle of Friction Modifier to the transmission oil.
In this How-To we will suppliment the Ford Shop Manual which is the only complete source of technical information available. The OEM Shop Manual chapters covering the M5R2-RKE has been transferred to Adobe PDF to assist you in your rebuild. The chapter on Clutch installation has also been transferred.
The M5R2-rke assembly has been broken into assembly areas. Always refer to the OEM Shop Manual as these pictures are to assist with the rebuild only.