T5 Transmission Installation - Part 3

This morning I installed the new transmission in the Mustang.  I used the same unorthodox approach as in the past where I lift up the transmission using a standard floor jack.  I place a 2x6 on the floor jack to create a larger surface and then add pieces of wood to the top so that it fits the grooves and webbing on the bottom of the transmission.  As I've said before, I don't recommend it to others but I've removed and installed the transmission three different times using the approach.

Installing the transmission took a little time.  It can be difficult to align up the throw out bearing, clutch, and input shaft bearing.  I'd say it took more than an hour easily as I stopped several times to look everything over and contemplate the best way to move forward.  I then bolted it up with the grade 5 bolts which were provided with the CPC adpater plate.

I was incredibly happy to have the new transmission in place.  While it took a little while, I shed no blood in the process!  Unfortunately, a few issues came to light after wards...


Issue 1 - Installing the Shifter

The transmission had to be installed without the shifter.  Otherwise, the shifter would hit the tunnel during the process of installing the transmission.

With the transmission in place, installing the shifter became difficult.  The shifter is too large to install through from inside the vehicle.  Instead, I have to let the transmission hang incredibly low and install it from below.

With the shifter in place, I started raising the transmission and realized the brass colored ring at the top of the shifter is too large to move straight up through the hole in the floor.  I took the shifter back off and could fit it through the floor by pushing it through at an angle.  I then let it hang there and raised the transmission up to normal level.  Luckily, the transmission raises enough that the shifter will bolt up fine.

Issue 2 - Transmission Off Center

The second problem with the shifter is that it is off center.  The shifter started off touching the passenger side of the opening with plenty of space on the driver side.  To fix this, I loosened the engine mount bolts, raised the engine with a jack, and then used a strap around the tail of the transmission to pull it to the driver side centering it up.

I'm not sure if the issue is entirely the transmission.  I suppose it could be the floor is off center.  Since I've had the engine, transmission, and floor out, I'm just going to roll with it as it is the only way to get this to work without cutting my new floorpan which is something I really don't want to do.



Issue 3 - Transmission Mount

I planned to use the Energy Suspension transmission mount which came with the transmission.  I was under the impression it was for a classic Mustang.  When I attempted to use it, the transmission would hit the top of the tunnel before I was even close to being high enough to install the cross member.  It is simply too tall.


I pulled it out and compared it to the stock one which I removed with my 3 speed transmission.  The Energy Suspension mount (Part # 1044) is 2.445 inches tall.  The stock mount is only 1.642 inches tall.  I then realized the mount holes of the stock one match the cross member but the Energy Suspension one does not.

I searched and found Energy Suspension Part 1044 is for a 85-93 Mustang.  The Modern Driveline website shows their cross member being used with the stock style mount.  They sell is stating the same mount is used on a T5 conversion, TKO conversion, C4, or toploader.  I put the old mount in place and it was the right height.  Easy fix. 


Issue 4 - Transmission Cross Member


The Modern Driveline cross member I purchased does not fit well.  The two mounting ears on the passenger side are too close together.  I heated it and used a vice to pull them apart some.  This worked marginally and allowed me to get it in the car to test out the shifter and driveshaft.  Once those items were checked, I pulled it out as it needs more work to actually fit the way it should.  I work on this more later.


Issue 5 - Driveshaft Length

I test fit the drive shaft with the front wheels of the Mustang up in the air.  There was only about 1/4" of space between the yoke base and the tail housing.  This is obviously not enough.  I was hoping to not need to have is shortened but unfortunately it is necessary.

I dropped the drive shaft off at BVD Driveshaft to have it shortened.  I dropped it off with the U joints attached in case they were needed for balancing.  They are going to shorten it from 51" to 50" and then balance it for me.  Unfortunately, it cost $154 ($77 to shorten and $77 to balance).  It will be ready by Friday at 3 o'clock!