Hello All. I bought me a 1990 F250 with a 5.8 (351W) engine in it. Im looking to converting it from a manual (standard) to an automatic for my upcoming contracting job. I can find a donor truck with ease from pullapart, upullit, blacks auto etc... I just need the parts list and maybe a tutorial of how to do this. If someone has already done this, what problems did you encounter when doing this? Im completely rebuilding this truck engine/tranny and body wise but I would like the conversion to be the first step. Immediately after this project I will rebuild the motor and again will need more help lol. I plan on finishing this project atleast before march of next year. Any help would be great Thanks in advance.<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message -->

 

Is the truck 4x4 or 4x2?

 

Its a 4x2.

 

I think you would have 3 options.
One would be to swap in a C6 which would be a 3 speed with no overdrive. You would need one from a pre `92 truck so that it would have the port for your speedo drive. You could keep the existing computer and would need to connect a kickdown rod, a vacuum supply and a shift linkage.
Another would be an AOD trans, 4 speed with 4th being overdrive. However you would probably need to get it strengthened to take the torque of the 351, again would need to be pre `92 and you could keep the computer but would need to connect a TV cable and shift linkage.
Third would be an E4OD trans, has overdrive but computer controlled so you would need to change your computer or get a stand alone controller for it and it would need to be pre `92.

 

lazy, if he changes computers, why does the e4 have to be pre-92 a 95 wont work ?

 

He has to have the speedometer cable hook up in the trans...

 

i thought all e4's were elec everything. Thx for the answer

 

They are BUT the sensor is in the tail shaft housing of the trans on the earlier ones, and he has to have the cable for his truck speedometer, as it is not electronic..

Hope this makes sense....

 

Which option do you guys think would be the least in cost? Dont count in labor because I have a couple of people including myself that like to get their hands dirty/greasy. As for the speedometer I could care less if it worked or not because it doesnt work now it just flickers

 

Least cost option would be to throw in a C6. If you are not concerned about the speedo then look for one out of any 4x2 truck from 1980 to 1996 with the small block bellhousing. You will also need a flexplate, torque converter, probably cross member, shift linkage (either stock or floor shifter) and if you want passing gear, then a kickdown rod or cable. Not sure but your existing driveshaft length may be alright.

 

Thank you guys so much!!! I will begin this project next friday after work and I cant wait!

 

He'll also need a different trans cooler won't he? I know my 5 speed on a 460 doesn't have one, but I bet he'll need one for the auto and his radiator wouldn't have an integrated one, so it'd have to be remote.

Again, I'm no specialist, obviously not near as familiar as dually, lazy, or white 97, just makin sure everything gets covered.

 

Good call on the cooler!!!

 

Even if they're is a cooler on the side (or bottom) of the rad, hes still gonna need a pretty big Aux. cooler!