I was wondering about the firewall reinforcement kit for my 88 F150? Does it install inside the cab or outside? Is it tough to put in? What does it look like so I can see if it's already there? What about the adjustable clutch master push rod? I'll be changing my clutch assy. and oil pan gasket in about a month so I wan't to upgrade everything at one time!
Phillip

 

Phillip,

It looks as though no one else really understands what your looking for. I was really curious as to what you meant by firewall reinforcement also. It sounds like some type of structural issue. Anyway, I had never heard of it before, so I'm not sure what to even look for in mine. Is it specific to certain model years? Is it aftermarket?

Later,

Slik

 

I know exactly what you are talking about. I have the same problem on an 88 Bronco. My local Ford dealer told me there was never a recall on this very common failure, but they would fix it for big $. I put some large washers on the studs protruding through the firewall as a temporary (two years now) fix. Supposedly Ford makes some type of plate to do the repair. I have been watching your post closely for an authoratative answer.

 

I know what your talking about but have never seen the kit. I recommend you post your question to the Ford Diesel webpage. The oilburners seem to run into that problem often.
Chris

 

I had the same problem but it was caused by extreme pressure because of a faulty master cylinder. I just used 2 sheet metal screws and big washers on the new master cyl.

 

I have had years of the same problem with my 88 F250.

the plate Ford sales goes inside the cab, but my real problem was, that the two bolts that hold the pedal frame to the top of the firewall where never installed when the truck was built. This eventually broke my dashboard.

 

>I was wondering about the firewall
>reinforcement kit for my 88
>F150?

OK Phillip, I just went through this with my 88.

> Does it install inside
>the cab or outside?

Inside.

> Is
>it tough to put in?

No, but the place to weld it in is pretty tight. The plate goes around the clutch master cylinder on the inside of the firewall just above the gas pedal. I checked to see if my truck needed it and it didn't so i didn't get it.


>What does it look like
>so I can see if
>it's already there?

If its there, it will be an extra plate under the to bolts that hold the clutch MC to the firewall. Remove the clutch interlock switch and you will see it if you ahve it.

> What about
>the adjustable clutch master push
>rod?

I don't have one of those either and you won't need one. After you get the clutch insatlled remove the clutch pedal and cross-shaft. Knock the lever off the mc side after it is out. buy a new lever and install the pedal with it fully disengaged. install the lever so it matches the hole in the MC rod. Tighten the nut on the crossshaft so it cuts into the lever. Enjoy the new clutch pedal travel. BTW-replace all 4 bushings in the cross-shaft assembly while you are at it.

> I'll be changing my
>clutch assy. and oil pan
>gasket in about a month
>so I wan't to upgrade
>everything at one time!


This will be a great upgrade. Also here are some tips:

1. Replace the clutch fluid, a world of difference.
2. To remove the clutch hose push the cheap-looking white ring into the slave housing to release the spring. I had to replace my hose and spring after I butchered the hell out of it. ($34)
3. the TO bearing is removed by turning it CCW. It eventually comes off.
4. The pilot bearing is a bitch and I recommend renting the proper tool to remove it.

Any Q's e-mail me.

Randygaz@mobilecellular.net
Randy

 

Phillip the part number for firewall reinforcement is E8TZ 7K509 A

 

Update on firewall reinforce : Purchased part this morning because I started having trouble putting it in gear and upshifting, came home, installed the plate which was very easy to do and doesn't require opening the system , fixed problem with clutch pedal interlock switch (WD40 took care of it) and, in less then an hour, I am happy with my truck once again. The reinforce plate is highly recommended by me, even if you are not having a problem. I found several pinch welds that were cracked in the area...if it would've gone any further, I would have needed the "Severe Firewall Reinforcement Kit" that sold for over 100 bucks unlike the normal one that I bought for 3 bucks !
Thanks for all the replys !
Phil

 

 

TSB 90-16-7 addresses the problem and the fix. I am repairing my '88 F-150 right now. It has 562,000 miles and I am the original owner. If you have a small flex/break in the firewall (the wall between the dashboard and the engine compartment), part number E8TZ-7K509-A (small reinforcement kit for 1988-1991 models) should work. The small plate fits onto the clutch master cylinder bolts that fit through the firewall and attach from inside the cab. If you firewall has a major structural fatigue failure, you will likely need part number E3TZ-7K509-B (large reinforcement kit for model years 1983-1991).

 

I just converted my truck to a 5spd using parts from a 90' F-250 that had this problem. The firewall was torn which caused the master cylinder to bend out instead of pushing the rod in. I went and got the plate to install on my truck so I could prevent this from happening. I am also using an 85' master cylinder as it comes with an adjustable pushrod. The 90' clutch hose still attaches in the same way which is nice. The only other difference between the 90' and 85 clutch master cylinder is that on the newer one, the top mounting bolt is off to the side instead of straight up from the bottom bolt.

 

Phil.....could you please verify the part number you used for $3? Did you get this at the Ford dealer?