five speed conversion
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Joined: Feb 2004
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five speed conversion
I know this has been discussed in length before, however I couldn't find anything of use in the search. I have a '77 f350 crewcab 2wd 400 c6 that I wish to install a different motor and five speed in. It's my understanding that the ford five speeds don't work with the 73-79 trucks, do to the differing transmission input shafts and the manual clutch assy. I know that Advanced Adapters sells a conversion plate to mate a dodge nv4500 to the old style bellhousing, but does anyone think it might be easier and cheaper to convert the manual clutch/brake pedal/master cylinder assembly over to the newer style hydraulic clutch pedal assy? I don't know a whole lot about the '80-'97 trucks, so forgive me if I'm way off the mark. Could this be a common thing and I just haven't heard about it (that's been known to happen)? Thanks for any info/insight. Also is there any difference between the five speed transmissions in the 1 ton trucks vs. the 1/2 tons. Thanx
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Montana Territory
Whomever told you that ford five speeds don't work in a 73-9 isn't very mechanically inclined. You can make anything work with enough patience.
Since you have an F350 you have to put a heavy duty gear box in there. The ZF-5 and ZF-6 with the big block pattern are easily available. They came in Ford trucks behind the diesels and 92-6 250HD & 350 ; 460 & diesel powered trucks.
Since you have an F350 you have to put a heavy duty gear box in there. The ZF-5 and ZF-6 with the big block pattern are easily available. They came in Ford trucks behind the diesels and 92-6 250HD & 350 ; 460 & diesel powered trucks.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Jamestown,Ohio
I have a 460 out of a 1969 lincoln in my truck so what 5 speed tranny should I look for to put in my truck? It is a divorced transfer case. If that matters. Are there any trannies other than brand new that are 6 speed (5 speed with granny) A friend of mine has a 2003(I think) f250 with a psd and 6 speed a whole bunch of lift and big tires. I'll get a picture as soon as I can of my truck and his
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Montana Territory
The two that I mentioned are probably around $800 - $1200. They are very strong, and have a granny gear and overdrive.
You might wanna ask in the 460 forum for output shaft length and spline count, I'm not sure of those right now.
You might wanna ask in the 460 forum for output shaft length and spline count, I'm not sure of those right now.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Texas, just south of NY c
If you want a 460 with a 5 speed Already mated to it ....There is a VERY simple solution....Find a 87, 88 , 89 , 90 f250, f350, with a 460\5 speed already mated together. Plus you'll get a 460 with throttle Body injection which will probably give you better fuel milage that a regular carburator(sp) . this will be even easier if you contact L&L as they specialize in these type of conversions.......s.kuteman
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go NV4500
I think the NV4500 is the way to go, cast case, not aluminum, has low first and over drive, 2wd tranny will work with the divorced t-case. Advanced adapters has everything u need. I have 79 F150 4wd with 351w, NV4500, and NP205 t-case. Not very hard of a swap either, and stock clutch setup will work.
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From: Jamestown,Ohio
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Harrisburg, NE
now to bring back back this thread just to hijack it...
what about a five speed behind an fe? I know that they use a different bellhousing, but surely theres one out there that will bolt up fairly easily without busting the bank. I am mostly looking for an overdrive, but dont want to sacrifice a granny. i have a divorced tcase so i would need a 2wd trans. thanx
what about a five speed behind an fe? I know that they use a different bellhousing, but surely theres one out there that will bolt up fairly easily without busting the bank. I am mostly looking for an overdrive, but dont want to sacrifice a granny. i have a divorced tcase so i would need a 2wd trans. thanx
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Texas, just south of NY c
..............Well, there is a relatively easy solution for you......Go find a 88 or 89 f250 with a 5 sp.\460 , 2wd . and buy the engine\tranny in one contiguous UNIT and drop into your hiboy with adapters as necessary from L&L . I believe that 88 was the first year for 460\5spd. and it will ALSO be throttle body injection as well..........You'll have to adapt the rear tranny mount and probably have a new driveshaft fabbed to fit the new dimensions betwixt tranny and Np205.................skuteman 
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stationed in----- Yucca Valley, CA
88-98 460s were not Throttle body injected, but multiport speed density...
The ZF 6 speed to my knowledge only has the bellhousing for 7.3 oil burners and modular V-10s, NOT for 460s. ZF 5 speeds behind 460s will work though.
The ZF 6 speed to my knowledge only has the bellhousing for 7.3 oil burners and modular V-10s, NOT for 460s. ZF 5 speeds behind 460s will work though.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Bedford Hts, Oh
5 speed/ 6 speed ?
So my 74' crew cab 4x runs at high RPM on the freeway. I have a C4 (3 speed), I believe. What would be the least expensive to get better mileage and lower RPM's?
Being that you all are talking trans swaps, it sounds like the way to go. But what is y'alls opinion of the auxilary trans?
Being that you all are talking trans swaps, it sounds like the way to go. But what is y'alls opinion of the auxilary trans?
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Texas, just south of NY c
..............Ford , on some of the early 70's models with 4 speed's and 3 speeds on the column added a Factory overdrive unit that worked very well. Since you have a c4 I'm assuming that you have an f100 or f150 as i believe that an f250 would have had a c6. I believe that the OD unit was a Warner T-85 n. There were 2 OD units, a regular unit AND a Hvy Duty unit with a "R-11" casting designation on the outside of the unit......I have no idea IF the Warner unit will boltup to your c4 tranny. There is another guy here in the 66 section who has had extensive experience with these Particular type(s) of overdrive(s). Maybe he will respond in due course...The sad part is that people love these old trucks but with their POOR fuel milage they are just TOO expensive to drive for most working class ford lovers.......sk 
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Texas, just south of NY c
...............Definitely....and , again I don't KNOW If they will work with a c6. They Bolt on the Back of either a 3 speed or 4 speed manual tranny. And, if you can find a hd unit it should work quite well on a f250. Cost wise, i have no idea , but even at a 1,000 that is going to be a 1\4 of the cost for any other type of OD conversion in my opinion..........sk