also from a discussion with the tranny shop some time ago, they said there is 1 bearing in there that has a lip rolled over it. much like the bearings in our rotor packs. that will have to be beaten out or grind the lip away. once this is done they said they tipically seal the new bearing in with quick steal liquid metal. its still a press in bearing so with the quick steal added they claim to have never had a problem
This is not true.
with using the brass synchro's most times produce a whining noise as apposed to the Teflon synchro's. just a heads up so you dont freak out on your first test drive.
Really? Are you sure about this? I've driven 5-speed cars with oem, brass and carbon fiber and I don't remember any kind of noise difference.
From my research and tons of questions I found that the rebuild kit is the same as the F-150 M5R2 except 5th gear and reverse syncros. Seems like when you say you have an M5R2 from a SC the price goes up the roof.
They are not the same.
The counter shaft nut is the same between the F-150 M5R1, Ranger M5R1, and Thunderbird M5R2.
The main shaft nut is the same between the Ranger M5R1, and Thunderbird M5R2. Do not get a F-150 M5R1, it won't work.
Just call Southern Gear and tell them you have a Thunderbird M5R2 or RKE.
You should replace all of this when doing a rebuild:
1st-4th gear blocker rings - carbon fiber or brass
Reverse gear blocker rings - brass
5th gear blocker rings - brass
main shaft nut
counter shaft nut
front and rear seals
The only mistake they might make in your order is the counter shaft nut but you can overcome that by reminding them it is the same from a Ranger.
I paid $300 for all of the parts above when I got the carbon fiber blockers. I do not remember how much less it was if you went with brass.