79-91 manual trans?
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From: North Dakota
79-91 manual trans?
So I'm thinking of putting a ZF or NP435 in my 79, but am wondering if there are factory clutch peddle. Also, are they hydrolic or mechanical clutch?
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There were manual trans vans--is yours an automatic? What engine?
The NP435 bolts to a bell housing that needs to match the engine and the input shaft stick out. The bell can be either mechanical or hydraulic. The shifter will come out of the doghouse, so you won't like it much.
A ZF will bolt up, but is an integral bell trans and uses a hydraulic clutch. Hydraulic clutch parts from an '83('84?) or later van could be used to adapt the set up. You might get lucky and find an '87 up with the ZF, clutch/brake, doghouse, crossmember and driveshaft. I might hit the lotto also.
The ZF also has the shifter coming out of the doghouse, but the vans were equipped with a special doghouse with the shifter boot in it. Good luck finding one of those....
As OEM, the vans had the 3 speed column shift, a 3 speed OD floor shift and the ZF floor shift. Not sure if the Mazda 5er was installed in vans.
Domestic Truck Tranny Guide
The NP435 bolts to a bell housing that needs to match the engine and the input shaft stick out. The bell can be either mechanical or hydraulic. The shifter will come out of the doghouse, so you won't like it much.
A ZF will bolt up, but is an integral bell trans and uses a hydraulic clutch. Hydraulic clutch parts from an '83('84?) or later van could be used to adapt the set up. You might get lucky and find an '87 up with the ZF, clutch/brake, doghouse, crossmember and driveshaft. I might hit the lotto also.
The ZF also has the shifter coming out of the doghouse, but the vans were equipped with a special doghouse with the shifter boot in it. Good luck finding one of those....
As OEM, the vans had the 3 speed column shift, a 3 speed OD floor shift and the ZF floor shift. Not sure if the Mazda 5er was installed in vans.
Domestic Truck Tranny Guide
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Mine is a 460, and a C6.
I have done manual top loader trans swaps on older vans(73). And the shifter was behind the doghouse a bit. Had to pull the shift lever out to get the doghouse off.
I'm well aware of all the stuff to get the trans in there. I just need to find out if I can get stock parts for a clutch peddle and linkage/master cylinder, line. That will help determine the trans I use. I also think some zfs came with external slave cylinders.
I have done manual top loader trans swaps on older vans(73). And the shifter was behind the doghouse a bit. Had to pull the shift lever out to get the doghouse off.
I'm well aware of all the stuff to get the trans in there. I just need to find out if I can get stock parts for a clutch peddle and linkage/master cylinder, line. That will help determine the trans I use. I also think some zfs came with external slave cylinders.
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IIRC the 460 model ZFs did have the external slave. You'll find that ZF in a PU, as afaik, no 460/5er vans. (six, 302, 351w only)
I would still look for a ZF equipped van to get the pedals and doghouse, even though the ZF, if still in place, would be a SBF pattern.
But any stick van from '83('84?) up will have a hydraulic clutch, so the brake/clutch pedal would be the one you want. Not sure if they changed everything every year or two like some F series, but adapting is a virtue....
I would still look for a ZF equipped van to get the pedals and doghouse, even though the ZF, if still in place, would be a SBF pattern.
But any stick van from '83('84?) up will have a hydraulic clutch, so the brake/clutch pedal would be the one you want. Not sure if they changed everything every year or two like some F series, but adapting is a virtue....
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Got the PM's. The hydraulics showed up in vans in '84.
Mazda and ZF's were '86 and later. (or is it Mazda in '86, and Mazda AND ZF in '87 & up?)
Let me also add that when you look at a hydraulic set up in a van, if you watch the master as you work the clutch, you will probably see the floor flex, or find some evidence of a reinforcement. If you see a reinforcement, take it along with the other parts. If there isn't one, make one for your installation. The flex causes a misalignment of the plunger and results in binding. It also results in reduced travel at the master which results in inadequate actuation at the slave cylinder--result: hard to impossible to get into gear at rest, and difficult shifting.
Mazda and ZF's were '86 and later. (or is it Mazda in '86, and Mazda AND ZF in '87 & up?)
Let me also add that when you look at a hydraulic set up in a van, if you watch the master as you work the clutch, you will probably see the floor flex, or find some evidence of a reinforcement. If you see a reinforcement, take it along with the other parts. If there isn't one, make one for your installation. The flex causes a misalignment of the plunger and results in binding. It also results in reduced travel at the master which results in inadequate actuation at the slave cylinder--result: hard to impossible to get into gear at rest, and difficult shifting.
Last edited by 85e150; Feb 19, 2012 at 03:57 PM. Reason: correct info, add info, thanks ND
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Well Im leaning towards a mechanical clutch with linkage right now, as I have a T19 in the shed. So I'd need a 460 flywheel, bell housing , clutch, peddles and linkage
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Yup, you may have to modify the driveshaft and crossmember.
Also, measure to see if the 460 bell and clutch linkage and exhaust are all going to live in harmony in that van chassis.
An older van with mechanical linkage might be easier to find, as millions were served with the 3 speed. Expect to have to modify/adapt.
Also, measure to see if the 460 bell and clutch linkage and exhaust are all going to live in harmony in that van chassis.
An older van with mechanical linkage might be easier to find, as millions were served with the 3 speed. Expect to have to modify/adapt.
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Keep us posted on this! I want to do the same in my E350 Diesel van.
I do have a 1980 E150 mechanical clutch steering column with clutch/brake pedal assembly.
I also have the complete drivetrain from that van, witch is a 300-6cyl, RUG 4 speed on the floor, shifter and linkages, tranny cross member and everything.
But only thing I can use on my diesel van would be the steering column/pedals. And my only 2 choices for transmissions are the T19 and ZF5.
Witch ever comes first at a good deal. Even if they are hydraulic, they both can be converted to linkage clutch, as they both have external slaves.
I do have a 1980 E150 mechanical clutch steering column with clutch/brake pedal assembly.
I also have the complete drivetrain from that van, witch is a 300-6cyl, RUG 4 speed on the floor, shifter and linkages, tranny cross member and everything.
But only thing I can use on my diesel van would be the steering column/pedals. And my only 2 choices for transmissions are the T19 and ZF5.
Witch ever comes first at a good deal. Even if they are hydraulic, they both can be converted to linkage clutch, as they both have external slaves.
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If I can ever find me a cheap 86 or older E350 extended cargo van I'll be doing the manual swap too. I'm going with a hydraulic set up. I've had the mechanical linkage fail. Had a 80's Bronco with a 300/NP435. The pivot ball on the engine snapped right off.
Lead Driver
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The bellhousing and flywheel are the easy parts to find!!
Post Fiend
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I would like go hydraulic, but my steering column I got is from an '80 van, and is set for linkages, and I don't wanna butcher it up to work hydraulically. It's a rare find, in top shape, need to keep it that way.
Like has been said, almost impossible finding a factory hydraulic standard van.
Like has been said, almost impossible finding a factory hydraulic standard van.