'83 6.9 F-350 in signature.
Couple weeks ago went to start it and while cranking, engine made a sound like it kicked back or something then a big clunk. After that starter had sound of bad bendix. Removed and the starter drive gear was shattered off the bendix. This was a Saturday and all the local part marts didn't show them in their system. I ordered one from a real parts store, repaired starter and no problems.

After about 20 starts there was small clink sound and same zing sound of bad bendix, removed and while removing bolts found the bell housing was busted clean off, why I never noticed before is beyond me. How it stayed tight is another puzzle.
Questions are: This truck is 4 speed and since I don't have a bell but do have a 5 speed with integral bell I'm wanting to swap. I have the clutch needed and not worried about drive shaft length but am concerned about the busted bell. Should I look for anything in particular?

 

if ur near the central cali i have a spare one

 

Thanks Joe But I'm in Va.! I guess " Shenandoah Valley" won't mean a lot to someone way out there. :-)

 

As long as the 5spd is for a diesel, you are good to go. I guess I would check out the tranny mount, maybe it crapped out on you. Is the clutch set up ypu have a dual mass or a single conversion? The single mass conveersion is the way to go in my opinion. I have had to much trouble with the dual mass type, including a broken ZF5 bell, when the center bearing in the duall mass crapped out.

 

Jimmy Stewart, 1965!

 

Good Movie! Even if it was historically inaccurate. I am the second owner of the truck and have never been in the bell housing. Good bet it is the dual mass. I agree about going single mass but will probably just switch clutch disc right now. I have Valair single mass on the '89 and the '96 PSD. Actually it is the spacer plate that is busted and I have one for the 5 speed (which is from '93 Diesel) I will definitely look the flywheel over before I commit my 5 speed. Thanks Guys!

 

If for some reason you dont need the 5 speed Im in north carolina and are in the market to do a e4od zf swap.

 

I'm kind of committed now, it's under the truck but not in. This is the wrong tranny for this year truck ('83), also the thread heading is inaccurate. The spacer between trans and engine where the starter bolts up was broken, bell still good.Then I found out the hard way after removing trans from donor '93, I won't have speedometer. Electronic speedometer have VSS ( vehicle speed sensors) in rear. I should have known this or realized it by looking sooner. Out of sight out of mind. This also means the spare rear I have in a '90 won't be a good spare for the '95 ( 12' bed) as it will leave me with no speedometer there either. This tranny is actually the spare for the '95. I can keep my eyes and ears open, what is exactly your swap issues?

 

No specific issue. just want to replace the slush box for a man trans. Perfect e4od. I am in the beginning stages of collecting parts for the swap. zf 5 4x4 are hard to find for diesels.

 

Well, knowing what I THINK I know now you have a VSS in the rear of the '94 if that's the one you are swapping. Then you can use an older setup. Guy out the road just recently sent out a '89ish to the scrap dealer for $400.+ something and when we were talking he said "I thought of you after I sold it." Complete straight cab truck, all running gear, very weak, high mileage 7.3 engine, 5 speed 4X4. You could (maybe) start it (weak IP I think) and after running, drive it. Bad Luck! I will try to keep up better. I will PM if I run up on many more deals like that.

 

Much appreciated. I am goingto start salvaging parts from scrap yards. I think pedals, cross member, etc. will b the easy stuff. matching drive shafts are gunna b tough to find.