trying to figure out what tranny i have

isenegger · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 01:12 PM

i just got this 88 f150. it has a 4.9 which is original and it has a 4 spd. i know that the truck was a manual from the factory but the previous owner said something about a "1ton tranny" i dont know. but it seems to be a case iron top loader looking tranny. the reason im wondering what it is because im going to need a clutch soon and i dont know what to ask for at the auto parts. the truck also has a straight axle with coil springs and a 9" rear end. i dont think the axles are factory as well. anyone got any ideas? thanks!

85e150six4mtod · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 06:16 PM

Sure it's an '88? A Ford?

In an '88 F150, the manual trans would have been the Mazda 5 speed. A recent post seemed to indicate you could still order a 4 speed non-OD trans in those years, but I don't know that for sure.

A straight axle up front? That was added. No F150 ever had one OEM.

A 9"? That was added. IIRC '86 was the last year for the 9er.

Do you have a hydraulic clutch?

Pics of trans here. Top loading, top shifting? First gear really low? Think NP435 or T18. If first is synchro, T19.

Domestic Truck Tranny Guide

'86 and earlier trucks could have a 4 speed and hydraulic clutch, so you can probably buy a standard clutch for an earlier model, maybe even your year, depending on what you have. Don't know if you can do this, but I'd pull it down and take the old parts with me to buy replacements.

isenegger · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 06:26 PM

i got some numbers off of it. they are 18-01-065-807 and it says borg warner on the drivers side. the transfer case says NP C-13683 and 208F

isenegger · #4 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 06:45 PM

i think its a t18

85e150six4mtod · #5 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 09:31 PM

If that "1801" is really "1301", according to the link, it's a T18.

Is there a trans code in the VIN on those? Or on the data plate? Can't recall, maybe someone knows. You could try the decoders up in "Articles/Specs" at the top of the page, or post the VIN or plate codes for review.

andym · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 01:58 PM

The T-18 was available in the F-150 up until 1993 or so, but it had to be special ordered after the M5OD came out in '88. My '89 F-150 has a factory installed T18.

It sounds like someone did a whole lot of customization to this truck. The trans code is never in the VIN, and for something like this I wouldn't rely on the sticker to be any more accurate.

I would agree that you have a T18 and an NP208 transfer case. It's a good strong transmission and the parts store should have no problems hooking you up with a replacement clutch. All the four speeds use the same input shaft spline count and so use the same clutch, but there is a different kit for all the five speeds because they use a different shaft. Also, this is a really good time to upgrade to an 11" clutch, you can use your existing flywheel and just bolt the larger pressure plate on after you get the flywheel surfaced. I'm assuming this truck has a lift and big tires on it, so you will definitely appreciate the larger clutch.