My 77 F100 has a 2WD 4 speed and a 302. I would really like to have an over drive. What is the easiest swap to do on these to have either a manual or automatic with OD? If possible I would really like to avoid any computers or anything like that. What have some of you done?

I appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks

 

How do you use the truck?
Is it a play truck and want it to shift like a car or a work truck pulling heavy loads?
The 4sp you have now granny first gear?
What is wrong with it?
Dave ----

 

The only non-electronic overdrive transmission in the Ford line is the AOD.

 

Yes the 4 speed has a granny gear. Nothing at all wrong with it. Needs a new clutch but thats about it.
​​​​​​​I don't tow or haul anything with it. Just a fun pickup. I just want to be able to do 70 to 80 mph on trips with a decent rpm range.

 

The first most common options you'll see is a Gear Vendors OD unit that bolts to the back of the transmission. This unit is electronically controlled, but we're talking switches, not computers. This is probably the easiest option because it only requires the install and running of some wires. It is also a very strong unit, but does see torque multiplication from the transmission, you shouldn't have any strength issues with a 302 though.

The other option would be an Advance Adapters Ranger OD, this bolts in between the bellhousing and the transmission and has a manual shifter to control it. This OD is weaker than the GV option, but since it installs before the transmission, it never sees multiplied power numbers. It is rated to 450 ft-lbs, but I've seen plenty installed behind Cummins engines. The down side to this one is that you will likely need to modify the stock shifter hole in the floor for the OD shifter and a new hole for the transmission shifter will need to be cut in since you'll be shifting the whole transmission back about 8 inches or so. Because of the extra rotating mass before the transmission, it also results in slower transmission shifts.

Both units have the same OD ration and both allow you to split shifts as well.

 

The Gear Vendor is $3000+ (stick or auto can not be used in 4x4)
Advance Adaptor is under $1700 (stick only can be used in 4x4)
Both will need drive shaft shorten
Advance you need to move the transmission cross member back also.
Dave ----

 

Now if you want to go with a stick trany that has over drive you have some to pick from.
The one everyone wants is a ZF5. Can be hard to find for a small block and is the HD of them to pick from.

M5OD-R2 Might be a little easier to find as it gets mixed up as a ZF5 and can be found in some F250's with a small block.
I know of a member in the 80-86 area that has one behind a 302 that is hopped up a little, it replace a 3.03 three on the tree and he loves it.

Last is the T5 or better the WC T5 found in Mustangs. I don't know where the shifter will fall when installed in a truck.
With any of the T5's you need to install a positive stop shifter. What happens when you start "banging gears" the shift forks bend and will not fully engauge the gears and over time will start to pop out.
If left to happen for long you will need to rebuild the transmission.
Dave ----

 

Is there a year range on the mustang that I need to look for? I have a 73 F100 with a 302. What all extra pieces will I need to do the swap?