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T45 Transmission

If your Mustang is sitting in the garage with a dead gearbox, a used transmission is the most practical way to get it shifting again. The T45 is a 5-speed manual overdrive transmission that Ford used in the 4.6L and 3.8L V6 Mustang from 1996 through 2001. It was built to handle the power output of those engines right from the factory, and a solid used OEM unit will restore that same feel and performance without the cost of a full rebuild. These are genuine pulled units — not remanufactured, not recored — and they’re inspected before they ship.

In Stock

Price range: $800.00 through $1,800.00

The prices are exclusive of taxes and shipping. The price may vary depending upon the miles and year of manufacturing.

Additional Information

Brand

Tremec

Conditions

Remanufactured, Used

Year Compatibility

1996–2001

Miles

70000-130000

Verified

Tried & Tested

Warranty

Up to 3 Months

What we offer

Specification

The T45 transmission is a 5-speed manual gearbox commonly used in Ford Mustang models. It has a torque capacity of 375 lb-ft and weighs about 104 lbs. The transmission uses ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) and features a ribbed aluminum case for improved strength and heat dissipation. It is equipped with a 10-spline clutch input shaft and a 31-spline output shaft. The gear ratios are 3.37 for 1st gear, 1.99 for 2nd gear, 1.33 for 3rd gear, 1.00 for 4th gear, 0.67 for 5th gear, and 3.22 for reverse, providing strong acceleration in lower gears and efficient cruising in higher gears.

There are also model variations: the 1996–1998 Mustang GT used an 8-tooth speedometer gear with a forward mount, while the 1996–1998 Mustang Cobra used a 7-tooth speedometer gear with a rearward mount. Later 1999–2001 GT and Cobra models used a 7-tooth speedometer gear with an electronic sensor and rearward mount. In terms of design, the T45 shares several internal components with the T56 transmission and features a single-rail shifter design for improved shifting precision. For owners who want to understand more about T45 shift quality and long-term durability, the Mustang Source forums offer one of the most detailed community knowledge bases available for this specific transmission.


Variants

1996–1998 Mustang GT (Part 1381-000-001 / F8ZZ-7003-AA)

This early T45 variant was used in the 1996–1998 Mustang GT. It features an 8-tooth mechanical speedometer gear and a front-located transmission mount. The design was tailored for the GT’s drivetrain setup and relied on a traditional cable-driven speedometer system. It represents the original production configuration of the T45 transmission used in the SN95 Mustang GT models.

1996–1998 Mustang Cobra (Part 1381-000-002 / F8ZZ-7003-BA)

The Cobra-specific T45 version was designed for the higher-performance 1996–1998 Mustang Cobra. It uses a 7-tooth speedometer gear and features a rear-mounted shifter location, differing slightly from the GT version to match the Cobra’s drivetrain layout. This configuration supported the Cobra’s DOHC engine and performance-oriented setup.

1999–Early 2001 GT & Cobra (Part 1381-011 / TNET1386 / XR3R-7003-AB):

This updated T45 version was introduced for the 1999–early 2001 Mustang GT and Cobra models. It replaced the mechanical speedometer gear with a hall-effect electronic speedometer sensor, reflecting the shift toward electronic vehicle speed systems. The transmission retained the rearward mount and incorporated minor internal updates for improved compatibility with the updated vehicle electronics.

2001 Bullitt

Early 2001 Mustang Bullitt models were equipped with the late-model T45 transmission, similar to the units used in the 1999–2001 GT and Cobra. However, during the 2001 model year, Ford transitioned the Bullitt to the TR3650 transmission, making the T45 version limited to early production vehicles. This change marked the end of the T45’s use in Mustang performance models.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What years and models does the T45 transmission fit?

    The T45 fits 1996 to 2001 Ford Mustang GT (4.6L V8) and Mustang V6 (3.8L). It does not fit the Mustang Cobra, which used the Tremec T56 during those same years. It was also discontinued after 2001 when Ford switched to the Tremec 3650. Always confirm fitment using your VIN before purchasing.

  2. How reliable is a used T45 transmission?

    The T45 has a decent reputation for reliability at stock power levels. Its most common wear points are the 1-2 and 2-3 synchros and the input shaft bearing. A used unit with under 80,000 miles from a well-maintained vehicle will typically give solid service life, especially in a stock or lightly modified Mustang.

  3. What is covered under the 90-day warranty?

    The warranty covers internal mechanical failure under normal operating conditions. It does not cover damage caused by improper installation, abuse, modifications, or use in vehicles with power levels beyond the T45’s rated torque capacity. Make sure installation is performed by a qualified transmission shop to protect your coverage.

  4. Do I need any special parts when swapping in a used T45?

    It’s good practice to replace the rear seal, input shaft seal, and clutch fork pivot ball when installing any used transmission. You’ll also want to inspect your clutch and flywheel — if either is worn, swap them while the transmission is out. These minor additions protect your investment and extend service life.

  5. What’s the difference between the T45 and the Tremec 3650?

    The Tremec 3650 replaced the T45 in 2001 Mustangs and offered improved strength and shift quality, particularly in higher-torque applications. The 3650 uses a different bellhousing bolt pattern and is not a direct drop-in for vehicles originally equipped with the T45 without modification. If you have a 1996–2001 Mustang, the T45 is your correct OEM replacement.

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