Transmission swap
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New User
Joined: May 2012
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Transmission swap
Okay, im new to this and not sure how it works but i have an 87 f150 with a 4 speed and id like to put a 5 speed in it. Is it possible? What transmission type would i be better off with?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,560
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From: New Zealand
I'm usually in the 80-86 forum, but I can probably help.
It's certainly doable.
I'm guessing you have a 302, 351W or a 300 - all three have the same bellhousing bolt pattern, & the 5-spd transmissions have the bellhousing cast into the trans case, so you can use a trans from any of these engines.
I'm also assuming your current 4-spd is a manual; if not, a 5-spd manual conversion can be done, but is not a quick job......I swapped my truck from auto to manual, it took just over 25 hours, including some driveshaft modifications.
The 5-speed options are
- the Mazda M5OD transmissions (a couple of versions are available), these are light-duty.
- or the ZF transmissions (also two smallblock versions), & much heavier duty.
Both use hydraulic clutches. Diesel & big block ZF's have different bolt patterns & input shafts to the smallblock version.
It's certainly doable.
I'm guessing you have a 302, 351W or a 300 - all three have the same bellhousing bolt pattern, & the 5-spd transmissions have the bellhousing cast into the trans case, so you can use a trans from any of these engines.
I'm also assuming your current 4-spd is a manual; if not, a 5-spd manual conversion can be done, but is not a quick job......I swapped my truck from auto to manual, it took just over 25 hours, including some driveshaft modifications.
The 5-speed options are
- the Mazda M5OD transmissions (a couple of versions are available), these are light-duty.
- or the ZF transmissions (also two smallblock versions), & much heavier duty.
Both use hydraulic clutches. Diesel & big block ZF's have different bolt patterns & input shafts to the smallblock version.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 1
Don't know about pricing of a ZF; but you will probably need a different driveshaft, and maybe the whole hydraulic system for the clutch.
The good news is a donor truck will have all the parts you need, as long as it is the same wheelbase as your's. When the M5OD went out on my '88 4x4, I put an NP-435 w/ NP208 t-case from an 84 in it to get back on the road. The driveshafts from the 84 fit like it was made for it.
I also used the transmission tunnel from the 84, because of the t-case shifter location; but I don't remember if the transmission shifter hole was different or not. The hardest part was getting the carpet out and back in in one piece.
Robert
The good news is a donor truck will have all the parts you need, as long as it is the same wheelbase as your's. When the M5OD went out on my '88 4x4, I put an NP-435 w/ NP208 t-case from an 84 in it to get back on the road. The driveshafts from the 84 fit like it was made for it.
I also used the transmission tunnel from the 84, because of the t-case shifter location; but I don't remember if the transmission shifter hole was different or not. The hardest part was getting the carpet out and back in in one piece.
Robert
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