I have a '77 hatch that I adore with 60,000 original miles.  Right now she's a 4 speed, but she's dyin' for another gear.  has anyone successfully put a 5 speed in? If so can you explain what kind and how? Thanks guys...

Hello zo1boy,
 Get your T-5 from an 87-91 4-cylinder mustang.
 Before 87 the trannys were NOT the world class type with needle bearing cluster gears.
Everything will bolt up to the 2.3. you will need to drill a few holes in the cross member and use a shorter driveshaft.
 I think the same shaft that comes from the mustang will work.
I say "I THINK" because I used the Ford Motorsport Aluminum driveshaft.
 You will also need to figure out which rear u-joint to use.
 That info is here too I just do not have it.
When retrieving your tranny check the input shaft for in-out play.
It will have some side to side play.
 The front bearing retainers are a bugger because NO-BODY makes a steel replacement.
Lots more info here on this subject too.
 
From Pintony
 
 

Also, the t-5's have different types of clutches; Cable ones and hyd. ones. The cable one is easier to install. I am working on mine now and will keep you posted.

Bill

I'm in the middle of doing this swap. I have the T-5 ready to go in. I used a 2.3 bellhousing from a Mustang II 4-speed which I think is called a RAD 4 trans. This bell bolts correctly to the T-5 case and allows you to use the factory Pinto clutch cable. Any other cable setup is going to require modifications because the clutch fork is not in a good spot and causes the clutch cable to interfere with the trans cross member (have to notch the cross member for clearance).

You can use the stock Pinto flywheel but need to have a clutch disk from an early turbo Mustang to match the spline count on the T-5 shaft. Or you can use a Turbo Coupe flywheel and clutch setup which is stronger larger diameter clutch disk).

I haven't got to the driveshaft part yet but I know that it uses the front yolk from a C4 auto at the front and the rear U-joint depends on which rear axle that you are using (8" or 6.75"). I believe that the length of the drive shaft depends on a combination of the wheelbase of the car (wagon or sedan) and which rear axle that you have (8" or 6.75"). You need to get the trans in and measure to be sure.

Someone please correct me if they have had a different experience. Hope this helps.

Kevin.

The 87/88 t/c's have hyd. clutches, maybe other fords too. There are regular cable set-ups and bell-crank ones, depending on year and model of you donor.

All the 6.75" and 8" rears I have take the same u-joints; The ones that are for the pinto. Like I have in that link, the caps that bolt to the axle are bigger than the yoke ones. The smaller ones will "fit" but not clamp correctly, and might cause them to fail.

Yes, you will have to move the shifter hole forward in the pintos. If you have a/c or the factory guages, you will not be able to use the stock center console. I will be mod.ing the standard short one to fit my heater controls.

The tranny yokes for the pinto are smaller in diameter than the ones for the t-5. I think they will slide in, but will not seal correctly.
 
I have not gotten to the cable yet, but I have a few bells so I am not worried, I will keep posting as I go.

I might have different issues with my t-5 install, as I lowered my engine and tranny when I did the turbo swap.

This might be a good one for the FAQ section.

Bill