Word of advice when dropping the trans. Remove rear prop shaft and slide it back. You'll need to remove the bolts holding the trans cross member in, then wrestle/beat it into submission to remove. Knock the driver's side back and twist it up...it will come out. Putting it back in is much easier...a BFH with proper English and the right attitude will be of great assistance. Pay attention to the arrow stamped on it...make sure its pointed the same way when you put it back in.The clutch line should be plenty long enough to stay connected. While there, go ahead and replace the clutch and pressure plate, too. Parts are cheap, and since you're there, might as well save future labor. Not would also be a great time to check and replace the rear main seal...since you're there still, and its a $15 part.

The M5OD isn't a bad trans. I have it in the wife's truck, mated to the 5.0. It's a somewhat rare combo in an F250, but it's the way it came from the factory. My 250 has the 5.8 mated to the ZF trans...she's a beast. I used my dad's old F150 as a parts donor...4.9 and M5OD. He had over 400k on the clock before it finally was retired.

The 97 F150 is an automatic. Not my favorite, but I'll make sure its right.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles