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transmission conversion questions

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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 10:37 PM
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transmission conversion questions

I own a 1994 F350 XLT 4x4 dually truck that has a 460 engine with an auto trans, the truck is a clean with 58,000 miles. Transmission has been shifting hard from 1st to 2nd gear, does this every once in a while, sometimes not for weeks, not really a pattern to this problem. Anyway after reading a few threads on this problem and all the potential causes, I've decided to convert it to a manual trans. Is this a common swap? Aside from the obvious hard parts trans/transfer, slave cylinder, pedals,etc... will I have any computer problems to deal with? Will parts from a 3/4 ton be the same as a 1 ton? What years of trucks will be good donor vehicles? Thanks in advance!! Dave
 
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Old Jun 5, 2009 | 08:30 AM
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A manual tranny from a 460 equipped truck with 4x4 is your only option. The ZF5 was available in the F250 and F350 attached to the 460 and 4x4 from 87(?)-97. It would be best if you could get a donor truck in order to accomplish the swap as it will have everything you need to finish it off and make it look factory. You will need to use the clutch and brake pedel assembly from a 92 - 97 body truck to fit in your cab appropriately, but everything else can come from the 87 to 97 truck.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2009 | 03:35 PM
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Thanks for the info, especially on the brake pedal interchange. Other than the hole for the shifter, are the floor humps the same for both auto and manual trucks? If not does the hump unbolt like a chevy or is this a cut and weld job. Thanks, Dave
 
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Old Jun 5, 2009 | 04:19 PM
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I did this with mine. With two fiends it can be done in a day. I thought the pedals were going to be a real pain, but it only took me about 20 minutes to do them by myself. You could cut a hole in your existing floor plate (it does unbolt) or just get one from a 87-96 truck at a junkyard. 1/2ton to 1ton parts are the same these years, making this an easy swap. I put in a grannny gear 4spd, but when I find a ZF, it's going in. With the 460, I just start in second then go right to 4th most of the time.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2009 | 09:57 PM
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So there's not going to be any computer problems to deal with?
 
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Old Jun 6, 2009 | 10:47 PM
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you are going to need a manual trany or put the MLPS in the "N" position
 
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Old Jun 8, 2009 | 08:41 AM
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You can either keep the MLPS from the E4OD and set it to the neutral position so your truck starts, runs, and keeps the CEL off. Or, you can use a computer from an 88 to 97 manual transmission 460 truck/88+ 460 truck with a C-6 installed. I only say this as I beleive that the F350 460 remained EEC-IV (ECU version) until 97, but someone can correct me if I am wrong as the EEC-V was in production in 94. Reference fordfuelinjection.com on the computer information if you want more to go on.
 
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Old Jun 8, 2009 | 11:52 AM
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I found the donor, a 1989 reg cab 3/4 ton 460 4x4 5 speed truck and am picking up the parts this Saturday. I'm getting the trans/transfer case, both drive shafts, crossmember, starter, flywheel, floor hump all for $400. I may grab the computer also, if you'll think it will work on my truck or I will try and set the MPLS to N. Thanks for all the info, I'll keep the progress posted. Also is there any demand for the E4OD and transfer case from my truck? It has 58,000 actual miles on it. I just had FORD install new shift solenoids ($500) in this trans and still have the erratic shift problems. I think the problem is a sensor or something other than the transmission.
 
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Old Jun 8, 2009 | 01:55 PM
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The transfer case in your truck is going to be the same one in the 89, B/W1356. No need for the transfer case exchange, maybe the shift lever will be needed as the E4OD is about 3 to 4 inches longer than the ZF. Put the E4OD up for sale, someone maybe interested in it. It is a popular auto overdrive for older 460/429 and 351M/400 4x4 trucks for those seeking an overdrive transmission in such equipped trucks.
 
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