1981 f150 4x4 regular cab
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1981 f150 4x4 regular cab
HI Ford enthusiasts
I have a 1981 F150 4x4 300-6 with a C3 transmission and I was going to change the tranny so my truck wouldn't rev so high on the highway at 55mph,I like a standard better than an automatic, I also find I always got better gas mileage with a stick. I would like a 5 speed if they made one that would bolt on to the 300. Would any of you enthusiasts have any insight to what might be available out there. It would be much appreciated.
I have a 1981 F150 4x4 300-6 with a C3 transmission and I was going to change the tranny so my truck wouldn't rev so high on the highway at 55mph,I like a standard better than an automatic, I also find I always got better gas mileage with a stick. I would like a 5 speed if they made one that would bolt on to the 300. Would any of you enthusiasts have any insight to what might be available out there. It would be much appreciated.
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alright well im not exactly sure what 5 speed trannys there are out there that you can find to get your hands on but as for putting a manual into your truck thats easy all that you have to do is pull your tranny and the coverplate and swap it out with the cover plate and clutch assembly off of a donor truck any from 80 to 86 should work and the engine is no matter because with the manual you are looking at a seperate bellhousing and tranny only 4 bolts between the two so all you really have to do is swap out the parts for manual find the tranny you want and bellhousing and put it all together but like i said im not sure what you can find for a tranny being the age you cant go too new with it and i would stay away from any light duty trannys you will run into probs there i would say pick up a good ol 4 speed those are about bullet proof anyways and would be easier imo
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Kuna ID
If you want a 5 speed, you will need to look to the 88-96 trucks I think, it may start later than that, I'm not sure. There was never a 5 speed in the 80-86 trucks. The 5 speed in the light duty trucks is a mazda built unit. It's fairly durable, I used to pull lots of junk with mine and never had a problem. Any tranny that was bolted to a 300, 302, or 351 will bolt to your 300. You would also want one from a 4x4 truck to attach to your t-case. I think you will need a new flywheel for the 300 as it is internally balanced and the 302/351 flywheels are weighted(Someone correct me if I am wrong about that). The only hard part is getting the clutch assembly in your cab. The 5 speeds had hydraulic throwout bearings, but I would imagine that if you could get the hydro setup from a donor truck it would go into your truck pretty easy. I have been swapping a lot of newer parts on to my truck, and haven't really had many problems.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Harker Heights, TX
I have a 96 F150 with a 5 Speed manual that is a M5R2 with a BW1356 transfer case currently in my truck. It needs a set of sincros but is still in decent shape and am willing to sell it if you are interested. The truck originally had a 300-6 in it. The bellhousing bolt pattern is the same as the standard small block ford engines. Have a Centerforce stage clutch package. Am willing to sell trans, clutch and fly wheel. I have 2 flywheels. Let me know if I can help in any way.
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81 F150 4x4
Hi guys, its been awhile, almost a year had to put a new engine in ( crate engine) stayed with the 300 cid, cost a few bucks but runs very well,going to get back to the tranny now. Thinking of putting a 4 speed or 4 speed with OD in. Has any one put the mazda 5 speed in a older truck with the new process transfer case. Has anyone ever tried changing the gears with higher gear ratios in the Np 4 speed and getting rid of the bull low which I think is pretty much useless considering you have the bull low in the Tc. Thanks for the help earlier guys, been pretty busy,now back.
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From: Virginia
You could get a Ford/Mazda 5 speed, or a ZF 5 speed(heavier duty tranny) or you could keep what you have and change the front and rearend gears.
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That sounds like the way to go with the ZF5, I'll probally have to change the TC so everything will match.I don't want to change front and rear gears, everything is rebuilt there and I like the gearing I have right now. I just need that extra gear for highway use. Thanks
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I'll probally have to change the TC so everything will match.
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