A friend of mine blew the C6 in his 1987 F-250. Now he wants to install a Warner T18 4 speed. He built a flatbed for it and plans on using this for a firewood hauler. It is a 2 wheel drive truck with a high diff ratio. Hence his perceived need for a 4 speed with compound low. The engine is a 351 so, in theory, there ought to be 4 speed compatibility. he has lined up a tranny, bell housing, clutch assembly and is working on the pedal linkage. So, my question is this a reasonable conversion that can be completed by a guy with some experience or are there pitfalls he is heading for? I guess he is planning on some kind of hydraulic clutch set up. Would a mechanical clutch be more appropriate or simpler? he has never done a conversion of this type but he has replaced trannys and completed clutch installations before. Comments and advice are appreciated. This guy is not computer literate so I offered to post this inquiry for him. Thanks in advance for any comments.

 

that truck came from the factory with that trans, so finding all the parts needed to do the conversion can be found in junkyards if you want to spend the time looking.

 

These trucks also came with the ZF 5-speed too so I don't quite understand why somebody would use a 4-speed.. unless the ZF just isn't available in the area or is quite a bit more expensive than the 4-speed.

 

the average price for a ZF trans is over $500. average price for a 4 speed in usually under $200

 

Price is one issue the other is our roads here. Just two lane pavement and a lot of washboard dirt roads. Overdrive is nice but not really needed. This truck has a tall rear end ratio so direct drive ought to work fine for this guy's needs.

 

You need the hydraulic clutch pedal assembly.
Mechanical clutches were found in the 351M, until 1983.

I would suggest installing the *small* firewall reinforcing bracket while the pedals are out to prevent popped seams and tearing. (pandemic to these trucks)
Check TSB 90-16-7
E3TZ 7K509 A for the small $15 kit

 

THanks for the tip. I will search for the bulletin.