Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

T-5/Tremech trans install

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 29, 2001 | 08:37 PM
  #1  
Herdsman's Avatar
Herdsman
Thread Starter
|
New User
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
T-5/Tremech trans install

I've got a '81 F150 with a 302 and a 4 speed trans. 4th is an overdrive gear. I would like to install a Tremech trans in place of my existing trans. I know the Tremech in a direct swap for a T-5 in a mustang so anything aplicable to installing a T-5 should apply.
What I need to know is what would be required to do this swap. Will the trans bolt up to my existing bellhousing? Will my existing clutch linkage work with the clutch assenbly needed to work with the Tremech/T-5? If the linkage won't work what mods will be needed?
Any help is apprciated.


 
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2001 | 02:25 PM
  #2  
restorit's Avatar
restorit
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 3
From: Bismarck, ND
T-5/Tremech trans install

I can't accurately answer your questions, but I would suggest contacting Jeff's Bronco Graveyard. They advertise a conversion kit which adapts a T-5 to a Dana 20 transfer case. In their catalog notes referencing the kit, they mention that "The W/C Ford T-5 transmission does require a special bellhousing that has a different transmission index diameter. We suggest that you retain all of the original 5-speed components for the bellhousing area." It doesn't sound like you're trying to adapt this to use in a 4WD, but I would still think their comments about the bellhousing may apply. They may also be able to offer some insight on the clutch linkage end, as well.
 
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2001 | 08:57 PM
  #3  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
T-5/Tremech trans install

Can you get a shifter long enough for a tremec or a t5?
 
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2001 | 07:06 PM
  #4  
Herdsman's Avatar
Herdsman
Thread Starter
|
New User
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
T-5/Tremech trans install

Fabricating a shifter handel would be easy. Fabricating clutch linkage isn't. All I need is an adapter that will allow my bellhousing to work with a Termec or a bellhousing that will work with my clutch linkage.




 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2002 | 11:50 AM
  #5  
restorit's Avatar
restorit
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 3
From: Bismarck, ND
T-5/Tremech trans install

Another place to call or check..... Windsor-Fox Performance Engineering (www.windsor-fox.com). While they specialize, primarily, in swapping late model EFI engines and T-5 / AOD transmissions into early model Mustangs and other Fords, they have also produced a number of conversion kits that allow you to convert a clutch assembly to either a cable-actuated or a hydraulic-actuated type. I realize these are intended for Mustangs, but I wouldn't think there would be a lot of work to adapting one for use with a truck. Might be worth checking into.
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2002 | 03:24 PM
  #6  
OldFords's Avatar
OldFords
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Las Cruces USA
T-5/Tremech trans install

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-Jan-02 AT 04:41 PM (EST)] I put a 351W/T5 combo in my wife's 81 F100 (very similar to your F150) after I blew the junkyard 302. It wasn't that difficult, just time-consuming.
Got http://www.fordmuscle.com/index.shtml and click on 'more tech' at bottom of the page. Then "page down" to T5 conversion (right side of page). It will give you pretty much all you need to know. Study the clutch fork spacer info closely before you fabricate one. It confused me and I wound up with four bolt holes instead of two.
I used my cross-member (the bolt holes for the tramsmission mount
lined up just fine.
My wife wanted to keep the bench seat so I had to fabricate a shift lever (the T5 shifter came up under the seat). I made it out of 5/16" steel plate and welded the chromed shaft (with unmarked black ****) to the end of it. Can't tell any difference from the T5 shifter).
Go for it, you will really enjoy the difference.

Eddie
Redneck with a degree who still likes headache racks, CB's with twin anntennas (antenni?), dual exhaust, and 'WestCoast' mirrors
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2002 | 03:34 PM
  #7  
dustymaine's Avatar
dustymaine
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Waldoboro USA
T-5/Tremech trans install

 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:27 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE