5 Speed
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,472
Likes: 2,799
The later model Fords used Mazda or ZF transmissions. Both are integral bell jobs and both (all the Mazda, and the correct pattern ZF) will bolt up. Here the good news ends. They both use hydraulic clutches with internal slave cylinders.
You could probably convert to a hydraulic clutch.
Other alternatives are the 4 speed OD trans from about '77 to '85 or '86. The ones for your truck would be the aluminum cased top shift or turret shifted SROD. See the pics here, first ones up:
Domestic Truck Tranny Guide
Note the Mazda and ZF are listed as well.
Price wise, the 4 speeds would be cheaper because they have a big gap 2nd to 3rd, and are weak compared to even your 3 speed. But, they will last in your application and at least you have OD and a fairly easy installation. (as in direct bolt in methinks)
The high $ unit to keep your existing clutch would be the NV4500. Overkill.
If you find a donor truck with the Mazda trans, perhaps you could liberate all the clutch goodies at the same time and adapt them to your truck.
You could probably convert to a hydraulic clutch.
Other alternatives are the 4 speed OD trans from about '77 to '85 or '86. The ones for your truck would be the aluminum cased top shift or turret shifted SROD. See the pics here, first ones up:
Domestic Truck Tranny Guide
Note the Mazda and ZF are listed as well.
Price wise, the 4 speeds would be cheaper because they have a big gap 2nd to 3rd, and are weak compared to even your 3 speed. But, they will last in your application and at least you have OD and a fairly easy installation. (as in direct bolt in methinks)
The high $ unit to keep your existing clutch would be the NV4500. Overkill.
If you find a donor truck with the Mazda trans, perhaps you could liberate all the clutch goodies at the same time and adapt them to your truck.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Winnfield,La.
Just to add a note, I converted a 77 to thew newer model trans (5 speed) you will have to make the clutch peddle to fit your truck it has a rod that goes threw the fire wall to a hydraulic reservoir, not threw the floor. you will have to do some welding and make a spacer I used 3/4 pipe. you will also need to stiffen the fire wall with angle iron to reduce the flex. JNT
