I just recently purchased a 1989 f150 4X4 with a 4.9(300 six) and a granny gear 4 speed. I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction as to what is needed to convert to 5 speed(what year donors and trans). I am not a mountain climber. I want 4 wheel drive for the snow but would also like to improve my gas mileage. Could I use a five speed out of a V-8 with it's transfer case without changing drive shafts? I would just like to know what year truck that I could get donor parts out of without breaking the bank. Any help would be appreciated. My goal is a 4.9 with 5 speed and 4 wheel drive. I know they made them, but this truck was too good of a deal to pass up. Thank you.

 

...Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! If you have a minute check out the Guidelines, it will help you to navigate through and understand FTE.
We are pleased you have chosen the best source for Fords!
Stick around someone will be by shortly to answer your question.

Enjoy FTE …..
See you on the boards.

 

There are 2 5-speed choices. The light-duty M5OD and the heavy duty ZF. Both have overdrive 5th gears. The ZF has a granny first gear ratio and the M5OD has a regular first gear ratio. Both were used in 4wd F-series trucks. The M5 was usually used in F150's and Broncos and the ZF usually came in F250's and F350's. You will need one from a 4wd truck with a 300-6, 302 or 351 engine. One from a 460 or diesel will not work with your engine. These trans will be found in trucks from at least '87-'96 (up to '97 in F250HD and F350), maybe earlier. Both of these trans use a hydraulic clutch system. You can view pics and description of them here: http://www.motivegear.com/tech_info/...nny_guide.html
Look for the 'M5R2' and 'ZF S542' and S547.

 

Would I just be able to use my existing transfer case? What about where the 4wd shifter comes up through the floor? That trans looks longer than mine. Would I be better off getting everything(trans, transfer and drive shafts)? Are the mounting points for the cross member the same between 300 six and small block? Thanks for all of your help.

 

You should be able to use your transfercase, but you'll need the tail housing from the 4wd 5speed trans that goes between the trans and t-case. Not sure on the driveline length, but it wouldn't surprise me if you end up needing to mount the t-case further aft and lengthen/shorten both drivelines. The cross member is probably the same one used for both, just different locations. It would be a good idea to get both driveshafts and the tranny.

 

If you get a 5 spd tranny from a 4x4 in the 86-98 years, it should bolt right up. Your t-case should bolt right on the tail of the tranny. I have a 93 f150 with the 4.9l as well. Have been down this road before. Just a word of advice, the little paper gasket between the tranny and t-case is not enough. Use some permatex gasket sealer as well. That little gasket failing rusted the splines off the tail shaft of my 5 spd. By the way, you probaly can find a used 5spd for the 5-600 range. That is what I paid for mine.

 

My M5R2 Shift Fork went out (surprised?) on my 91 F150. I have a ZF S5-42 to replace it. Does anyone know what's going to p*ss me off when I try to swap them? Cross Members?, T-Cases?, Bell Housing?, Complete Incompatibility? I keep hearing about V-8 swaps, but I don't wanna V-8! Any help is appreciated.