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There were 2 different 5 speed trans used in the 87+ F series trucks.
F150's used a M5OD (Mazda 5 speed OverDrive) behind a 300 I-6 or 302 V8. I am not sure if the 351 V8 could be ordered with a 5 speed in an F150, or which trans would be used if it was.
F250's and above, used a ZF 5 speed. This could be found behind any of the engines offered in these trucks, and there were 3 different models for any given year. 351W used 1 to fit the small block bellhousing pattern, 460 needed it's own, as did the diesel.
Either of these can be swapped into older trucks. Both use a hydraulic-actuated clutch, so anything older than ~1984 will need to be converted to use the hydraulic system. The main item, is finding the correct bellhousing pattern if you go ZF. The M5OD is small block only.
Clutch assembly, flywheel, crossmember, and driveshaft may all be needed to complete the swap, along with other bits and pieces. But it can be done, and has been many times.
How hard is it to find a M5OD? like at a junk yard or something?
Shouldn't be too difficult, as they were used in plenty of trucks. Just make sure it's from a 87-91 model, since they speedo cable hole disappeared sometime after the end of the 91 model year. They went to an electric speedo, driven off the speed sensor for the ABS on the rear axle housing.
351.... Wheezer? Cleveland? M-block? There are three 351s but I'd guess you're talking about a Wheezer, it was the only one around when the ZF came about.
Rogue, will the 351 ZF Fit a 300 engine, or is a different bell housing needed?
And the various support and mating hardware you mentioned, is any less of that required for a swap from an 80-86?
And I remember some of the 95+ SD's had a ZF-5. Looks like a different part number, different ratios though.
The 351W ZF will fit a 300. The bellhousing is part of the case, and cannot be changed without cutting/welding.
Depending on the year, there can be more or less stuff needed to do the swap. 80-83 used a mechanical clutch linkage, 84+ went to hydraulic. This mean the pedals have to be for the hydraulic setup, as all ZF's were hydraulic. The 351 version has an internal slave.
Yeah, there were a couple different models of ZF used over the years, most notable differences were the ratios inside. For going into an 80-86 2wd, you have to make sure the trans has the speedo drive. 4wd doesn't make any difference, since the speedo is driven in the transfer case.