MDL TREMEC Ford TKX 5-Speed | 2.87 First, 0.81 OD | Tall Body Front Shifter, 1” or 1.5” Forward Offset

Key Features

• 600 lb-ft torque capacity with 7,500 RPM shift capability and 8,000 RPM engine speed rating
• Gearing ratio (2.87, 1.89, 1.28, 1.00, 0.81) balances strong launches with relaxed highway cruising
• 26-spline input shaft (1-1/8 in. diameter) and 31-spline output shaft for added strength
• Compact end-loaded case design fits most transmission tunnels without floor modifications
• Ribbed 3-piece housing (main case, intermediate plate, rear extension) for structural stiffness
• Multi-cone synchronizers with sintered carbon/bronze hybrid rings for smooth high-RPM shifts
• ASTM 4615 special-grade steel gears and shafts with caged needle bearings in all gear positions
• Ford TKO/Toploader bellhousing bolt pattern - direct upgrade path from 4-speeds
• 7.21-inch Ford input shaft length 0.670-inch pilot tip with 1.430-inch OD throwout bearing guide tube
• Built-in reverse light switch (left side) and cruise control safety switch (right side)
• Dual speedometer outputs: mechanical 7-tooth Ford gear (adaptable to GM) plus OSS two-wire analog sensor
• Gaskets at all mating surfaces eliminate fluid leaks
• High-performance short-throw billet aluminum shifter included
• Front Mount Tall Body Shifter with 1” or 1.5” Forward Offset
• Shifter Stub Location: 11.18” or 11.68” Back from the bellhousing face
• MDL Exclusive - not available through TREMEC
• 99 lbs dry weight; 2.7-quart fluid capacity

Description

When your truck shifter lands in the wrong spot, the whole driving experience suffers. This MDL-exclusive Ford TKX solves that problem with a custom 1” or 1.5” forward offset shift stub that repositions your shifter exactly where it belongs for perfect ergonomics. The slimline shift body clears stock shifter holes without cutting the floor, taking all the guesswork and hassle out of shifter placement. This is not available through TREMEC -- it is an MDL exclusive modification.

The TKX represents TREMEC's ground-up redesign of the five-speed platform, engineered specifically for the aftermarket. Enhanced gear sizes and revised double-lined carbon-fiber synchronizer packages eliminate the stiff, notched shifter feel of older designs while enabling safe shifts at 7,500 RPM and engine speeds up to 8,000 RPM. Durability comes from oversized gear widths, gaskets at all flanges, caged needle bearings in all gear positions, and a ribbed three-piece aluminum housing that delivers outstanding structural stiffness.

The compact end-loading case design provides superior clearance in narrow transmission tunnels -- TREMEC specifically engineered this case profile to fit tight classic car tunnels without floor modifications. Close-ratio gearing (2.87 first through 0.81 overdrive) delivers strong acceleration with highway-friendly cruising RPMs. The 31-spline output shaft accepts Ford C6-style slip yokes for straightforward driveshaft fitment.

Uses TREMEC High Performance Manual Transmission Fluid, Dexron-III, GM Synchromesh, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, or Pennzoil Synchromesh. Utilizes the Ford TKO bolt pattern for direct compatibility with Ford wide pattern bellhousings. Made in the USA.

If you are making over 400 horsepower and need to upgrade from a tired four-speed, the TREMEC TKX delivers everything your Ford build demands. Unlike repurposed OE transmissions, the TKX was engineered from the ground up specifically for the aftermarket - designed to handle serious power while fitting into classic Mustangs and other vintage Fords without the floor surgery typically required by larger transmissions.

The end-loaded case design is the key to the TKX's compact footprint. TREMEC eliminated the traditional side-loading architecture, resulting in a slimmer, more streamlined case that clears tight transmission tunnels. The three-piece ribbed aluminum housing (main case, intermediate plate, and rear extension) delivers outstanding structural stiffness while reducing overall weight to just 99 lbs dry. Fewer case seams mean fewer potential leak points, and gaskets at all flanges simplify installation.

Inside, the TKX punches well above its weight class. Wide gear widths increase gear life and torque capacity, while tapered roller bearings on the input, output, and countershafts reduce noise and improve durability. Caged needle bearings on the mainshaft optimize performance at all gear positions. The internal three-rail shift system provides robust, precise gear engagement, and the rear mainshaft support bushing has been relocated closer to the gearbox for improved support. Hybrid triple-cone synchronizers made from sintered bronze and carbon deliver smooth, notch-free shifts even at 7,500 RPM.

This close-ratio configuration (2.87 first gear with 0.81 overdrive) keeps your engine in its powerband during spirited driving while dropping highway RPM for improved fuel economy and reduced wear. Short input shaft kits are available for Ford 3-speed and 4-speed bellhousing applications. Made from 100% brand-new OEM-quality components.

Kit Includes

• TREMEC TKX 5-speed transmission assembly (TCET18084) with 2.87/1.89/1.28/1.00/0.81 gear ratios
• High-performance short-throw billet aluminum shifter
• Stamped-steel rear-position cover
• Gaskets for all mating surfaces
• Built-in reverse light switch (left side)
• Built-in cruise control safety switch (right side)
• Mechanical speedometer drive gear (7-tooth Ford pattern, adaptable to GM)
• OSS two-wire analog speedometer sensor
• MDL extended warranty: manufacturer warranty plus 1 additional year with 1-year grace period
• Lifetime technical support from MDL