I have the 88 f150 with the famous 4.9 and infamous m5OD. If I remember right it only is the 10" clutch which I have heard wears out faster.. The truck itself only has 122k on it, and I suppose the original clutch, which now is almost gone. I have to mash the pedal to the floor to get it to shift well. Starting from a stop I have to quickly shift from N to 4th then 2nd and into 1st to get it into first to get going. I am saving my pennies for the clutch kit ($135ish from parts store) and just wondering if you guys had any thoughts before I dive in? I don't usually tow, I have 3.08 rearend which pulls a 18ft boat just fine when I do pull. I have a friend with an f250 and the ZF tranny, which feels so great when driving. Big shifts and it feels quite stout compared to my M5OD. I have read the threads on swapping in a ZF tranny and it sounds fairly straightforward and simple.
Should I seriously look into doing a swap?
How much better is the ZF than the M5od?
Or should I just swap in a new good clutch and enjoy as-is. I am always hesitant to mess with stuff on it (lift tires gears etc) as I can get 18ish mpg (and it's 4x4).
What do you all think?

 

I would check the clutch pedal bushings and linkage up to the master cylinder and if the linkage is good try to bleed the hydraulic system. A change in the engagement position on a hydraulic system is an actuation problem, not necessarily a problem with the clutch itself.

 

Also check the firewall for flexing/cracking.

 

thank you for the advice. I will check that out today. I was told there was no way fix it without a new clutch, so that would be great to not have to do it yet. any thoughts about swapping the zf when the time comes?

 

If you replace the clutch, also replace the slave cylinder whether you think it needs it or not.

Murphy's Law states that if you don't replace the slave cylinder, it will fail a week later and you will have to pull the tranny again. I can verify this from personal experience.

 

And make sure you get a new throw-out bearing. This is the only chance to inspect and replace it, and you usually don't know its bad until its really bad. It goes along with the slave cylinder thing. Since you have the opportunity, preventative maintenance is best.

 

As Eric said, these are not the symptoms of a worn-out clutch. You have some kind of hydraulic or linkage problem.

 

Ok, I checked out the underside today, and first thing I noticed is the bracket under the dash that holds the pedal assembly is cracked in HALF!I have heard a weird noise occasionally, and that must be it. The pedal with no pressure sits lower than the brake pedal, and I am assuming it is due to that.
I will start looking around for a new one, if you know exactly what it is called, let me know, I have no idea.
The master cylinder res was a little low, and dirty brown. I will assess that after fixing the bigger prob of the broken bracket underneath.