Automatic to 5 Speed Conversion
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 143
Likes: 3
From: Davie, NC
Automatic to 5 Speed Conversion
I have a 1980/81 F-150 4x4. Has an automatic behind the 351 M, soon to be 4BT Cummins. When I do the swap I am not leaving the auto, looking for fuel economy above other things.
I have heard that some of the 87-96 Ford Trucks have ZF5 transmissions that will be compatible with my application, can someone confirm that this is true? I am looking to make as little modification as possible. Will a ZF5 from one of these trucks bolt to my transfer case and engine like it was factory? The 4x4 shifter comes through a plate on the floor. Will a floor plate from 1980-1996 F-150 with the 4/5 speed 4wd cutout work with my truck?
Is the hydraulic a good thing to buy from a junkyard or just buy one new? What years of clutch pedal assembly will work in my truck? (80-86?) Anything else I need to consider? (Gas vs Diesel Trans?)
I have heard that some of the 87-96 Ford Trucks have ZF5 transmissions that will be compatible with my application, can someone confirm that this is true? I am looking to make as little modification as possible. Will a ZF5 from one of these trucks bolt to my transfer case and engine like it was factory? The 4x4 shifter comes through a plate on the floor. Will a floor plate from 1980-1996 F-150 with the 4/5 speed 4wd cutout work with my truck?
Is the hydraulic a good thing to buy from a junkyard or just buy one new? What years of clutch pedal assembly will work in my truck? (80-86?) Anything else I need to consider? (Gas vs Diesel Trans?)
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
I will assume you are going to get an adapter for a Ford setup for the 4bt? All of the 4bt adapters I have seen that were originally used in the bread trucks adapted to a small Ford pattern. So yes, if you get a zf from a f250 that had a 300 six or a 351w, it should bolt up. And it will also bolt up to the transfer case. You may be able to find a zf in a f150, but they are not as common.
If you need the pedals for your truck, you will have to use the pedal assembly from a 83-86 truck, any engine will work. The slave cylinders are different though, but I am assuming will be be buying a new one of those. 87-up pedals will not fit the 86-dwn trucks.
If you need the pedals for your truck, you will have to use the pedal assembly from a 83-86 truck, any engine will work. The slave cylinders are different though, but I am assuming will be be buying a new one of those. 87-up pedals will not fit the 86-dwn trucks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
2X on that. 87 and up pedal brackets and clutch master cylinder are different and will not mount into the 86 and older trucks.
As for using junkyard clutch hydraulic parts, I would not use the internal slave cylinder if the transmission has it. Would sux to repull the tranny to replace it. Now if you have the external slave cylinder, I'd go for it....
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 143
Likes: 3
From: Davie, NC
I will assume you are going to get an adapter for a Ford setup for the 4bt? All of the 4bt adapters I have seen that were originally used in the bread trucks adapted to a small Ford pattern. So yes, if you get a zf from a f250 that had a 300 six or a 351w, it should bolt up. And it will also bolt up to the transfer case. You may be able to find a zf in a f150, but they are not as common.
If you need the pedals for your truck, you will have to use the pedal assembly from a 83-86 truck, any engine will work. The slave cylinders are different though, but I am assuming will be be buying a new one of those. 87-up pedals will not fit the 86-dwn trucks.
If you need the pedals for your truck, you will have to use the pedal assembly from a 83-86 truck, any engine will work. The slave cylinders are different though, but I am assuming will be be buying a new one of those. 87-up pedals will not fit the 86-dwn trucks.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
I've always heard that Ford transfer cases are all interchangeable, at least from '80 - '96/7 (and maybe even a lot farther than that). But just this evening someone started this thread on the '87 - '96 forum saying that there were some differences. So now I don't know how to answer that.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
I've always heard that Ford transfer cases are all interchangeable, at least from '80 - '96/7 (and maybe even a lot farther than that). But just this evening someone started this thread on the '87 - '96 forum saying that there were some differences. So now I don't know how to answer that.
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
The OP in that thread claimed that putting a t.case from a '92 E4OD onto a '94 ZF5 didn't work because "its mating surface diameter is smaller than the ZF adapter surface leaving about 0.5" step open to the cavity between the tcase and transmission".
I can't picture what he was seeing, and yes, this goes against what I've always heard that all Ford t.cases bolt to all Ford trannies. I'm just reporting what that thread is bringing up.
I can't picture what he was seeing, and yes, this goes against what I've always heard that all Ford t.cases bolt to all Ford trannies. I'm just reporting what that thread is bringing up.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,789
Likes: 26
From: Connecticut
The small block ZF configuration only came with the internal slave, you may have no choice.
This is actually a better slave because it works the clutch from the center, its an even Push-pull.
Big Block gas and Diesel ZF's used the external slave
This is actually a better slave because it works the clutch from the center, its an even Push-pull.
Big Block gas and Diesel ZF's used the external slave
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
keyul
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Apr 23, 2015 09:34 PM
Blued Steel
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
May 25, 2013 06:17 AM
OldBrown82
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
3
Oct 11, 2007 06:16 AM