I have a 1986 f-150 rwd with the 300-6 and a tremec t-170 trans with cast iron case. My trans is on the way out. It shifts fine when I first start the truck and drive for a couple mins, but once the engine gets up to operating temp, it is extremely hard to get into first gear. Also when I try to go to reverse the trans grinds like all hell to the point where I have to shut the truck off shift it into reverse, then start the truck up again and back up. Im thinking of putting a 5 speed in the truck and was just wondering what my options were for a swap. Also what additional things I would have to do if I went the 5-spd route.

Secondly, I wanted to upgrade my intake, carb, and exhaust manifolds. I was thinking of the offy intake/holley 4bbl carb combo with efi exhaust manifolds. Can this be done without changing my distributor? Apparently 85-86 is computer controlled.

The more I read, the more im confused. Hopefully someone whos done at least one of these things can let me know. I appreciate any help you all can give me.

 

The trans that most guys go with are the Mazda 5 speed and the ZF-5. The ZF is the more sturdy of the two, but, from what I have read, the Mazda is a nice trans too, and less expensive. If you don't do much hauling/towing, consider the Mazda. For either trans, there are many threads detailing the swap. You simply have to do a search for the info. For either trans, I'd say to beware the words, when buying parts, that insure self-destruction: Made in China. Either trans means resizing the driveshaft, and changing other things. Consult the threads and take notes.

Change your distributor to a Duraspark2 dizzy. Many threads exist for this as well.

Same with the intakes. Research. The info is there, you just have to look. Search, read, take notes.

 

If you have to stop the engine to shift it, that sounds like a clutch problem. Either it's toast or misadjusted, and I'm going to guess misadjusted.

I would vote for the ZF-5 transmission myself... but make sure you get one that matches your truck, like 2wd or 4wd.

 

Any trans bolted to a 289, 302, 351, will fit your block. The rest of the info you need should be in the threads you read.

*Regarding the ZF: They are a very desirable trans. That means they can be difficult to find. I searched for more than a year to get a small block, 2x4 ZF. A good place to find them is the 'for sale' section of forums like this. Good luck.

 

appreciate the responses fellas, I have a nice foundation to start my research.

 

x2 on swapping the distributor out. Yes, the computer controlled distributor will run the engine, but you don't have *any* timing advance.
So, fire up and drive. Yes.
Giving you the proper timing as you drive. No.

Look into the DuraSpark II swap. Or, just get yourself a Performance Distributors DUI all in one and call it a day.

 

Perhaps this will help, PalumboTruckBully: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-86-i-6-a.html