Hey guys - question on F150 transfer case swaps between different years. I've done a few google searches and also searched this forum - still would like some clarification.

I'm about to drag home a 1988 F150 4x4 which has the M5OD and a BW 1356 transfer case (I checked the ID on the case & confirmed). The t-case is blown to bits - it has to be replaced (I'm not going to rebuild it).

I also have a 1984 4x4 F150 parts truck that has a C6 trans. I think it has the BW 1345 t-case, although I guess it could have an NP 208. The truck is in storage at a friend's house, so I will have to crawl up under it later this week & confirm which one it has.

The question is - will I be able to bolt whatever transfer case is on the '84 on the back of the M5OD in the '88 without any issues? I assume I will have to swap yokes between the trucks to make everything work - that is ok by me (if I remember correctly, the 1356 has a fixed front yoke & slip rear yoke, as would the NP 208 - while the 1345 would have fixed front & rear yokes.)

I'm trying to do all this on the cheap, without buying any extra parts. I'm getting the '88 for a song, and the '84 I've had for quite a while and am going to part it out soon anyway. Plus, I went to my local junkyard today and there wasn't a t-case in sight - must be in high demand.

Full disclosure on the two trucks:

1988 F150 - 4.9 EFI, M5OD, BW 1356 t-case, 3.55 gears, open 8.8 rear end, reg cab long bed, no AC, power nothing
1984 F150 - 351W carb, C6, unknown T-Case, 3.50 gears, LS 9 inch rear end, short bed, AC, body swapped with '87 cab and bed.

Thanks in advance and let know if you need any more info.

 

Any transfer case used by Ford after about `77 should bolt up. As you say may have to rework driveshaft connections and shifter.

 

Great, thanks for the response.

I should be able to do the swap in about 2 weeks. Still on the lookout for a good used 1356, but we'll see how it all shakes out.

 

try using crazedlist.org : search craigslist like a madman if you have modzilla firefox and www.craigslist.org if you don't... I usually find a couple hanging around the Iowa area for $50-$100. I have specific rebuild instructions if you want them too...

honestly the only issues I can think of with the NP-208 is not having a hole to stick the speedo cable in... I know my 88 F250 has a 1356 with a hole in the tail shaft for the old cable driven speedo... I don't know how the 84 will be set up... also the drive shaft hook ups will probably be a little different (length or spline count).

 

I didn't even think about the speedo - Will have to check on the '84 and see what it has.

I have found a few t-cases on craigslist, but they are all $200 or more and I'm just trying to keep the costs down by using what I have. But, I may just end up buying the right one.

Good news: I crawled up under the '88 again (this time in the daylight) to discover that someone had swapped in a ZF 5-speed in place of the Mazda! I never have this kind of luck. Pretty excited about it.

 

T-Cases are easy to rebuild.. Not sure cost of parts but they are very simple.

 

I found bearing kits for about $85 bucks, but I'm not sure that the hard parts in the case are still ok. Previous owner said it started popping out of gear a couple of times, then completely shat itself with a loud crunch. Truck is immobile - the t-case spins free in any position.

At any rate, I picked up a rebuilt 1356 today for $200. Found it on craigslist, the guy seemed legit - he bought it with a fresh rebuild, put it in his E150 (4x4 swap) for a couple thousand miles, then pulled it back out to go with a doubler or something.

I checked it out and spun it in all positions - seems to be all there. I hope it works as good as it looks!

At least this way, I've still got the '84 complete if someone wants the rolling frame (I'm pilfering interior & body parts from '87 cab that's on it).

Thanks for the help.