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5 speed swap

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Old Feb 1, 2005 | 07:28 AM
  #1  
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5 speed swap

I just recently purchased a 1989 f150 4X4 with a 4.9(300 six) and a granny gear 4 speed. I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction as to what is needed to convert to 5 speed(what year donors and trans). I am not a mountain climber. I want 4 wheel drive for the snow but would also like to improve my gas mileage. Could I use a five speed out of a V-8 with it's transfer case without changing drive shafts? I would just like to know what year truck that I could get donor parts out of without breaking the bank. Any help would be appreciated. My goal is a 4.9 with 5 speed and 4 wheel drive. I know they made them, but this truck was too good of a deal to pass up. Thank you.
 
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Old Feb 1, 2005 | 09:22 AM
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Old Feb 1, 2005 | 09:05 PM
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There are 2 5-speed choices. The light-duty M5OD and the heavy duty ZF. Both have overdrive 5th gears. The ZF has a granny first gear ratio and the M5OD has a regular first gear ratio. Both were used in 4wd F-series trucks. The M5 was usually used in F150's and Broncos and the ZF usually came in F250's and F350's. You will need one from a 4wd truck with a 300-6, 302 or 351 engine. One from a 460 or diesel will not work with your engine. These trans will be found in trucks from at least '87-'96 (up to '97 in F250HD and F350), maybe earlier. Both of these trans use a hydraulic clutch system. You can view pics and description of them here: http://www.motivegear.com/tech_info/...nny_guide.html
Look for the 'M5R2' and 'ZF S542' and S547.
 

Last edited by SoCalDesertRider; Feb 1, 2005 at 09:08 PM.
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Old Feb 2, 2005 | 06:08 AM
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Would I just be able to use my existing transfer case? What about where the 4wd shifter comes up through the floor? That trans looks longer than mine. Would I be better off getting everything(trans, transfer and drive shafts)? Are the mounting points for the cross member the same between 300 six and small block? Thanks for all of your help.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2005 | 06:30 PM
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You should be able to use your transfercase, but you'll need the tail housing from the 4wd 5speed trans that goes between the trans and t-case. Not sure on the driveline length, but it wouldn't surprise me if you end up needing to mount the t-case further aft and lengthen/shorten both drivelines. The cross member is probably the same one used for both, just different locations. It would be a good idea to get both driveshafts and the tranny.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2005 | 06:53 PM
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If you get a 5 spd tranny from a 4x4 in the 86-98 years, it should bolt right up. Your t-case should bolt right on the tail of the tranny. I have a 93 f150 with the 4.9l as well. Have been down this road before. Just a word of advice, the little paper gasket between the tranny and t-case is not enough. Use some permatex gasket sealer as well. That little gasket failing rusted the splines off the tail shaft of my 5 spd. By the way, you probaly can find a used 5spd for the 5-600 range. That is what I paid for mine.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 03:04 PM
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Talking Can a ZF be mounted to a 300/6?

My M5R2 Shift Fork went out (surprised?) on my 91 F150. I have a ZF S5-42 to replace it. Does anyone know what's going to p*ss me off when I try to swap them? Cross Members?, T-Cases?, Bell Housing?, Complete Incompatibility? I keep hearing about V-8 swaps, but I don't wanna V-8! Any help is appreciated.
 
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