I got an aftermarket short throw shifter for the truck and today I stumbeld upon a bulletin claimed to be from Tremec on a Mustang forum. I've emailed Tremec to confirm the authenticity and it is a genuine bulletin issued by Tremec. Something to think about when you're putting an aftermarket shifter on your Tremec transmission. It sounds like a problem will arise only if the stop bolts are adjusted incorrectly or become loose and limit the shifter travel but it also makes me wonder why the aftermarket shifter manufacturers would spend the additional money to incorporate unnecessary stops. The people who design the shifters aren't dummies, either.

NOTE:From Tremec dated 03/01Tremec Transmissions
Service Bulletin 03.01

Subject:
After market Shifter Stops

Transmission Models Affected:
All
Severe damage may be caused by installing an after market shifter with "shift stops" on any TREMEC transmission. All TREMEC transmissions are designed and manufactured with built-in shift stops to prevent over shifting. Therefore; shift stops on after market shifters are totally unnecessary when used on a TREMEC transmission. TREMEC "TR series" transmissions have multiple shift rails with shift stops on the gearing. TREMEC "T series" transmissions have a single shift rail system with stops built into the guide plate.

When installing an after market shifter on a TREMEC transmission it is best to remove the shift stops to avoid miss adjustment, and the potential of the screws vibrating lose. A misadjusted shift stop can cause an under-shift, which may lead to a gear jump-out situation. If the transmission jumps out of gear, the shift fork can be bent causing permanent damage to the transmission. Shift forks can also be damaged by "clash shifting". A clash is caused by a missed shift.

Neither an "under-shift", nor a "clash shift" can be prevented by shift stops. TREMEC shift forks are designed to take loads up to 1,000 lbs. However, a gear jump-out may well exceed 1,000 lbs. of force, which may result in a permanently damaged transmission.


Lawrenceville, GA

Thanks Charlie. I have two t5's one with an after market shifter and the other with stock. I have been driving the after market version for 2 years now with no problems. I don't think it has shift stops but I will check it out. Both T5s cane from Modern Driveline, who also provided the after market shifter. Ok I just checked my invoice - I have a Quick Stik wit no off set and no stops. Good to know for the next one.

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

I'll second Mark on that, Charlie. Thanks for the TREMEC information.

I also bought a T-5 from ModernDriveline, but opted for a Hurst Billet/Plus shifter for it. -It has the adjustable stops.

I sought a shifter with the stops because of what I had read on other forums regarding missed shifts with the T-5.

I've got to stop scratching my head on these projects. It's altering my hairline!

Regards,

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

How do you like the Hurst? I got a Steeda Tri-ax. I'm going to install it this weekend.
I'm hoping the throw really is shorter. The T5-Z comes with a shorter throw shifter than the lower performance T5s, still a stamped steel unit, though. With a 16" shift handle in the truck, the throw is only about 7.5."


Lawrenceville, GA

I regret that I don't have any input for you regarding performance of the Hurst unit, Charlie. My engine is 'in-process'... I need to step-up the 'build' process or I'm going to have trouble pushing the clutch pedal in!

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Charlie;

I'm running a Hurst Billet Plus on my T-5 and like it alot. It does have the shift stops, just make sure you tighten them well. Also, I thought that the Tremec (T-56) was a totally different trans than the Borg Warner T-5. So when we are talking about the Tremec having internal shift stops why would that be a concern for those of us who run the Borg Warner T-5?

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

The T56 is much different than a T5 but if it is a Tremec, regardless of the model, it definitely has stops.

You bring up an interesting point. The Borg Warner T5 became the Tremec T5 so does that mean that the BW has stops? I asked specifically about the Tremec T5 in my email and they said it does have stops, all Tremec transmissions have stops. The one in my Truck is a Tremec. I'll ask about the BW.


Lawrenceville, GA

I got an answer today. According to Tremec, yes, the Borg Warner T5 has stops as well.

I got the Steeda installed yesterday. The throw is about the same as the shifter that was in there. I'm waiting for some paint to dry on a a part I had to modify to fit it. Hopefully it has a better feel when I go on the test drive.

I got to drive it and it does feel more positive and firm. So it was worth half the money. The current stick is a bit taller than I'd like. I think the next size down will be more comfortable, and it will reduce the throw by a little more than an inch.


Lawrenceville, GA

Charlie;

I was just wondering if you knew when Tremec bought out Borg Warner. I know that John Mummert recommends using the 86-93 T-5 for the conversion with the adapter plate. I plan on putting another T-5 behind this blower motor and there is a guy up here that does high end Mustang restorations who told me that there is a place called D&D Performance Transmission in Michigan that sells the shorter 10 spline imput shaft that can be used on later World Class T-5's (94-95). I checked out their website but haven't contacted them yet. Just another potential option.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

I do not know when Tremec bought them.

If you're going to abuse that, you may want to consider one of the beefier Tremecs with the blown motor. The strongest T5 is rated for about 330ftlbs but if you go easy on them most of the time, they should hold up pretty well. If you actually pull one from a Mustang, it will have about a 300ftlb rating, max. And you can have it modified by G-Force transmissions. They say it will then handle about 600hp or 500 ftlbs in a 3300lb vehicle. Last time I checked, you could send a good junkyard unit for the upgrade, and have far less in it than buying a TKO. If I ever bust my T5, I plan to have it upgraded.


Lawrenceville, GA