Trans swap
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
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Trans swap
I have a 1986 F-150 with a 4.9L6 it will be rebuilt and I would like to swap out the 4 speed manual to a automatic. How much work will be involved and what do I need to get as far as parts from a bone yard, and what type of trans will I need ? C5, C6, or AOD. Its 2wd and will be used for towing boats. All help will be needed and prayers. Thank you
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,995
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From: Virginia
A c6 would be bullet proof and easy to come by. But the c6 will not be very good on gas. The AOD will have overdrive, and if you get a upgraded model from the aftermarket, would probably be ok too.
You will probably need a different driveshaft, and some sort of floor shifter unless you want to go to the junkyard and get the steering column and linkage from a automatic. If you get a AOD, you will need the linkage to the carb, and carefully adjust it too.
You will probably need a different driveshaft, and some sort of floor shifter unless you want to go to the junkyard and get the steering column and linkage from a automatic. If you get a AOD, you will need the linkage to the carb, and carefully adjust it too.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
Just off the top of my head, here is a "shopping list"
Pedal assembly from an automatic
Trans tunnel cover from automatic without hole for shifter
Steering column with automatic shifter, plus linkage (or a floor shifter).
If you use the column shifter, you will want an instrument panel that has the shift indicator.
Flex plate from an L6 automatic - note: a flex plate from a 302 or 351 will look the same and will bolt up, but they have counterweights that will throw your L6 way out of balance. It has to be from an L6.
As already mentioned, you will probably need a different driveshaft.
Trans mount(s) and maybe trans cross member (I don't know if the automatic used a different cross member or just different mounts).
Then there is the issue of the Neutral Safety Switch and Backup Light Switch. You will at least want the wiring associated with the auto trans to get the connectors, even if you plan to connect them into your existing harness yourself.
Good luck on the swap.
Pedal assembly from an automatic
Trans tunnel cover from automatic without hole for shifter
Steering column with automatic shifter, plus linkage (or a floor shifter).
If you use the column shifter, you will want an instrument panel that has the shift indicator.
Flex plate from an L6 automatic - note: a flex plate from a 302 or 351 will look the same and will bolt up, but they have counterweights that will throw your L6 way out of balance. It has to be from an L6.
As already mentioned, you will probably need a different driveshaft.
Trans mount(s) and maybe trans cross member (I don't know if the automatic used a different cross member or just different mounts).
Then there is the issue of the Neutral Safety Switch and Backup Light Switch. You will at least want the wiring associated with the auto trans to get the connectors, even if you plan to connect them into your existing harness yourself.
Good luck on the swap.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,460
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From: Bay Area, Unfortunately
It is not really all that bad, it is just more of a concern to make sure that you get all the little things in order and taken care of. One thing not mentioned above is the kick down linkage to go with it. It would be easiest to find one truck in the junkyard and take all the parts you need (besides the trans) so you can see if you are forgetting anything.
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Thank you I would like do a little work to the motor as well like maybe a intake from Offey and a holley 390 cfm carb.,headers and nice pipes, and also a mild cam to increase the torque and HP. Any thoughts?????
