Adding 5th gear to a 4 speed transaxle?

[Blaster2005]

I did use the search option and found nothing. I was wondering if I can remove 5th gear from one transaxle and install it into to a 4 speed transaxle? I think someone told me I could remove the shim pack from the 4 speed and then add 5th gear, I can't remember if this correct. If anyone has done this before or knows how to please post a reply. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks, Mike

P.S. I posted this a few days ago in the repair forum and no reply. I really think this is possible just wanted to know if anyone here has done it before.

[scottxd45]

I think you can add 5th gear. I've never done it but I too am curious because I am either wanting to add 5th or find a 5 speed for my car. Hopefully someone who knows replies to this one.

[NovaSS]

Even if it could be done I think it would be easier just to install a factory 5 speed tranny from a wrecked car. Most transmission designs I have worked with dont take well to adding a gear when they were not designed too.

[hawkdoc60]

My understanding is that the 4th gear in a 4 speed is only slightly less gear ratio than the 5th gear in a 5 speed. Would it even be beneficial to add the 5th gear as opposed to just putting in a 5 speed tranny?

[FestYboy]

^^ nope, all gears are the same between 4 and 5 spd tranys, 5th gear is .62, so adding it to the 4 speed would make it an original 5... if that makes sense

[scottxd45]

Even if it could be done I think it would be easier just to install a factory 5 speed tranny from a wrecked car.

Yes but it would cost less shipping if a whole transmission couldn't be found near you. That's why I'm interested in this option.

My understanding is that the 4th gear in a 4 speed is only slightly less gear ratio than the 5th gear in a 5 speed. Would it even be beneficial to add the 5th gear as opposed to just putting in a 5 speed tranny?

My understanding is that the 4 and 5 speeds are the same transmission the 5 speed just has 5th as an overdrive gear. I could be wrong but I was under the impression the other gears were the same.

[hawkdoc60]

^^ nope, all gears are the same between 4 and 5 spd tranys, 5th gear is .62, so adding it to the 4 speed would make it an original 5... if that makes sense

Thanks for setting me straight. Now I know for future reference. I think I'll go break the kneecaps of the mechanic who told me that now. LOL

[Blaster2005]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm hoping someone maybe has done this before and can tell their experience. The reason I want to do this is because I have a 4 speed trans with only 50K on it and the 5 speed in my car has second gear messed up. I thought I may just put 5th gear into my 4 speed and be good as new! Thanks, Mike

[FB71]

^^ nope, all gears are the same between 4 and 5 spd tranys, 5th gear is .62, so adding it to the 4 speed would make it an original 5... if that makes sense

hmmm....

Check the chart at the bottom of this thread...

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11540

[Festy46]

hmmm....

Check the chart at the bottom of this thread...

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=11540

Is that chart really correct for the US Festiva 4 speed? Every gear ratio is different, including the final drive from the 5 speed. I can't find any information in the shop manuals giving those 4 speed gear ratios.

[FB71]

I'm fairly sure that chart is correct. I'll double check my srvice pubs when I get home.

[FB71]

ah, found a New Model book from '88 in my office library (a pile of old publications in the corner)

According to the New Model book, the 4 and 5spd have the same 1st thru 4th and final drive. However, the '87 (very early '88, sold only in California for 6 months before nation-wide sales began) has the ratios listed in the chart. That would make sense, because I had an early '88 4spd with those ratios. I verified that when I had the trans apart by counting the teeth for ech gear.

So, both FestyboY and are correct,it just depends on whether or not you have a very early car or not.

[FestYboy]

hmmm....

Check the chart at the bottom of this thread...

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=11540

ok, i knew there was a 2 in there somewhere.... sometimes i wish it was a .62, wouldn't that be a trip.

[Blaster2005]

Thanks for all the replies. I think as long as the 4 speed is not and early version, I can take the 5 speed and the 4 speed and built one good tranny. When I finally do tackle that project I will post my results.

Thanks again,

Mike

[jasonpaulbauer]

Any progress on this project?

Reason I ask... I have a good 4 speed and 5 speed that needs to be rebuilt.........