Trans swap

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Jan 9, 2011 | 12:52 PM

dventoza

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Trans swap

My dad has a 1987 f-250 4x4, 4 spd manual with a 460 that he bought brand new and the truck just guzzles the gas so I was wondering what it would take to swap out the 4 speed with a 5 speed trans? What is the 4 speed that is in there now and what 5 speed will work? What else would we have to change in order to get the 5 speed to work and is it really worth it?
Thanks for any input

Jan 9, 2011 | 06:00 PM

sherLocke9

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I'm wondering the same thing. I can tell you, that you most likely have the E4OD automatic transmission right now on that truck. That's what I got in my 1991 f150, and it's got ungodly miles on it and is starting to slip. If I replace it I'd like to put a 5 speed manual, or a 4 speed manual. Ford made both for these models i think. I don't know if they are compatible though, and what kinda work is involved. Anybody ever do this?

Jan 9, 2011 | 06:04 PM

92nite351

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From: Morrill, Me

zf5 is the answer...just get one out o a bigblock donor truck

Jan 9, 2011 | 07:17 PM

sherLocke9

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what's that?

Jan 9, 2011 | 07:20 PM

92nite351

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From: Morrill, Me

the zf5 is the 5spd tranny that came in the 87-97 250 and 350... its an awsome tranny that many o the guys on here swap into there trucks. you just need one out of a big block 4wd donor truck

Jan 9, 2011 | 07:39 PM

sherLocke9

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sounds good. i'm gonna write that down. thanks yo. this might be my summer project!

Jan 9, 2011 | 07:43 PM

92nite351

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From: Morrill, Me

not a problem man, do a little research on this site and youll be surprised how many threads there are involving this swap

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Jan 9, 2011 | 10:08 PM

sherLocke9

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whoops. read too fast...

Jan 9, 2011 | 10:24 PM

#10

dventoza

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 92nite351

the zf5 is the 5spd tranny that came in the 87-97 250 and 350... its an awsome tranny that many o the guys on here swap into there trucks. you just need one out of a big block 4wd donor truck

So will this trans get me a little better fuel mileage and allow me to go a little faster? Right now when we are going at 65mph we are in 4th gear and right around 2300-2500 rpm and you can almost watch the gas gauge move.

Im just thinking that the extra gear will allow the rpms to drop a touch at highway speeds.