transmission conversion
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,765
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From: Kalispell, MT
Which 5 speed are you thinking about? I think your only choice would be a T5 which would work fine with the 4.9.
What I'd do: get your T5 and bellhousing from a 5.0 mustang 'cause it will match your 4.9 bell pattern, find a shifter and forks from an S10 so it comes out in front of the seat. You'll need to rig up a hydraulic clutch if you don't already have that system.
What I'd do: get your T5 and bellhousing from a 5.0 mustang 'cause it will match your 4.9 bell pattern, find a shifter and forks from an S10 so it comes out in front of the seat. You'll need to rig up a hydraulic clutch if you don't already have that system.
Last edited by mtflat; Aug 18, 2007 at 06:57 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
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From: Billings Montana
If you find a late model truck, (87-96) with a 5 speed and either a 300, 302 or 351, it's an easy swap to do. I believe the 300 and 302 transmissions are Mazda models while the 351's tranny is a ZF5 speed which is much stronger.
Just be sure that when you find a donor truck that you take everything you'll need to make the swap possible. You might not need it all, but you can always sell what you don't need on Ebay or thru the local paper and get some of your money back.
Just be sure that when you find a donor truck that you take everything you'll need to make the swap possible. You might not need it all, but you can always sell what you don't need on Ebay or thru the local paper and get some of your money back.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Originally Posted by xpl951
What all will i need from the donor truck? and would one from a diesel work?
A diesel is going to probably always have a zf 5 speed, so it will not work. The zf has a integral bellhousing, so it will only fit a diesel. You would need a zf from a 351w if you are going with a zf. And you would also need a hydraulic clutch setup if you are going with a zf.
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From: Virginia
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Senior User
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Any 5 speed integrated bellhousing trans that you are going to use is going to be junk they all break espescially if you use your truck for any kind of work. stay with the 4 speed change your gear ratio.
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Super Moderator
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Originally Posted by oldmansimek
Any 5 speed integrated bellhousing trans that you are going to use is going to be junk they all break espescially if you use your truck for any kind of work. stay with the 4 speed change your gear ratio.
Having said that, changing the diff may make more sense.
Is your truck 4x4 or 4x2?
If 4x2, look at your rear axle. The carrier should be bolted into the housing from the front. Look on one of the studs on the top passenger side for a tag. Look for numbers like "4 11L *************" . This is the ratio tag and you can see if a gear change would make more sense. It's a lot easier, it's reversable, and it's much cheaper.
So check that out, then go here:
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/gearing.htm
and plug in your info. You can then change the ratio number to find a ratio that gives you a meaningful difference in 4th.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 57
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From: Penns Woods
Go with the ZF. They came behind 4.9 and 5.8 F250 and F350's from I believe 87 on. They are not junk, they are highly sought after. They retain a granny low, but also have an overdrive.
The Zf has an internal slave cylinder, so I'm not sure if your clutch setup will work. You will also need the crossmember, becasue the zf is longer, and the crossmember corrects this while retaining the same frame holes. The drive shafts are also a different length. It is worth the swap. However, your best bet is to find a donor truck, because the Trannys are highly sought after, so they can be expensive.
The Zf has an internal slave cylinder, so I'm not sure if your clutch setup will work. You will also need the crossmember, becasue the zf is longer, and the crossmember corrects this while retaining the same frame holes. The drive shafts are also a different length. It is worth the swap. However, your best bet is to find a donor truck, because the Trannys are highly sought after, so they can be expensive.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,489
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From: Kuna ID
The M5OD trannies have the internal slave cylinder, the ZF trannies have the external slave, at least the BB ZF's do. I haven't played with a SB ZF yet.
Since you already have a MT you are ahead of the game. Your current hydraulic line should connect to the new slave cylinder, you may have to route it differently though. I used a 1985 clutch master with a 1990 line and slave. I also used the T-case that was attached to the ZF I got so I had to change my rear driveshaft, but I reused my front DS. I also converted from an auto to a stick which was probalby longer than a 4spd anyhow.
Since you already have a MT you are ahead of the game. Your current hydraulic line should connect to the new slave cylinder, you may have to route it differently though. I used a 1985 clutch master with a 1990 line and slave. I also used the T-case that was attached to the ZF I got so I had to change my rear driveshaft, but I reused my front DS. I also converted from an auto to a stick which was probalby longer than a 4spd anyhow.
