I have a 1987 ford bronco with a C6 transmission, 3 speed auto if you didn't know, I would like to switch it to a standard if possible, don't know what tranny would work or show the best performance. It's got a 351w in it that is mildly built. Any feed back would be great!

 

The Mazda M5OD is your light duty choice and the ZF42 is a the heavy duty choice, you will need to get one from a truck with a 4.9, 5.0 or 5.8 truck and if your truck is 4x4 then make sure you get the 4x4 version of the manual.

P.S. Those 2 above are both 5-sp transmissions, there are also some older 4-sp manuals you could use.. some with an OD ratio and some without, but same advise applies.

 

the ZF should be your choice frankly given the motor you have. the M5OD wont hold up at all.

 

That ZF should bolt right up and everything? And will it matter what gear ratio is in the rear end also?

 

Also will a ZF from a 7.3 diesel ?

 

No, the bellhousing from the diesel is different, you need the trans from a gasser. The flexplate has to be changed for a proper flywheel, you need the pedals too, and some other parts, do a search for the auto to ZF42 swap, you'll find some very detailed part schedules.

 

you will also need to get different drive shafts. the trans must come from a small block motor 5.0/5.8 also the flywheel must be from/for a 5.8.

 

Just buy a parts truck so you have everything you need. Crossmember, pedals, shifter boot, bolts, flywheel, dust shield, starter. Buy a new clutch, master cylinder, slave cylinder and line. Part out what you can, scrap the rest. You will have to have both driveshafts made. If you have deep pockets, the zf5 is the preferred route. If they are shallow like mine, a t18 4 speed truck is much easier and cheaper to find.

 

I have already swapped my C-6 for a ZF S5-42 and my 460 for a 351W in my '87 F250 XLT Lariat, extended cab (I know C-6's and 460's are good, but I wanted a manual tranny and better mileage). I have also re-built the new engine: I have a 351W, balanced, blueprinted, Howard Cam, 10-1 pistons, ported and polished heads, Pacesetter headers, Holley carb and NO emissions equipment. My questions are different: 1) I'm finding that there is no place for a backup light switch on the ZF transmission. How do I hook one up? 2) I also have extra wire connections in the engine compartment that I don't know where they go. I read that I should switch to a manual transmission EEC, but I'm not using any emissions stuff. It seems like I should be able to by pass the EEC entirely, but I don't know for sure. 3) In the manuals, I keep reading about speed sensors. What the hell are they? My speedo is hooked up. What else do I need? I'm an old fart and "old school". All this computer stuff is beyond my pay grade. Can someone give me a way to go here?