4 spd alternatives needed
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4 spd alternatives needed
Hi Folks, I've been doing a lot of looking on here..but without knowing what I'm looking for it's like chasing my tail. I've gotten my hands on a 1986 F-250 Diesel 2wd 4-spd manual. The clutch needs replaced which is on my to-do list certainly, but it does drive. What I can't stand is listening to the engine sound like it wants to fly apart at 60mph because it's only a 4-spd. I keep reading there is a swap to something like a ZF-5 tranny that can be done. Every thread I find that talks about it includes those that say it's a straight remove and install swap, and those that say theres a hundred different things that I need a machinist to design. I'm a competent gearhead but Diesel's are a new world to me. Anything I can do for another transmission?
Cargo Master
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From: Eaton, CO
Subscribing.
I've read Clark 5-speed overdrive manual transmissions will fit too. I believe our motors have an SAE 3 bolt hole pattern for bell housings, so the selection is sparse. I'm sure you can really bolt anything up to it with the right adapter.
Is a Getrag 360 an SAE 3 bell housing transmission??? They were found on the Gen 1 12V Cummins.
I've read Clark 5-speed overdrive manual transmissions will fit too. I believe our motors have an SAE 3 bolt hole pattern for bell housings, so the selection is sparse. I'm sure you can really bolt anything up to it with the right adapter.
Is a Getrag 360 an SAE 3 bell housing transmission??? They were found on the Gen 1 12V Cummins.
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What I'm worried about is needing an adapter, then worrying about fancy flywheel depth differences and driveshaft lengths. And more importantly than knowing I need them is knowing what to get and where to get it from.
Post Fiend
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From: Faibanks Ak.
The zf5 speeds from 88 to 93 will bolt in with all ford parts. they use a dualmass flywheel but you can use a single mass,but you have a noisy tranny at idle.
On the 2x swap it would fairly straight forward swap especially if you get a donor truck.
Before you replace your clutch have somebody mash the clutch while you watch the master cylinder if it moves the firewall needs reinforcing on the inside. I have also had the bushings in the clutch pedal mechanism be loose enough to have enough play it wasn,t pushing the mastercylinder rod far enough.
On your motor sounding like an air plane you probably have 4.10 gears in the rear end unless you are pulling big loads you would be better off changing to 3.55's or higher.
You might check your clutch fan and make sure it isn't locked up as it will sound like it is ready for take off no matter what gears you have if it is.
The rpm's at 60 isn't hurting it but it isn't good on fuel either.
On the 2x swap it would fairly straight forward swap especially if you get a donor truck.
Before you replace your clutch have somebody mash the clutch while you watch the master cylinder if it moves the firewall needs reinforcing on the inside. I have also had the bushings in the clutch pedal mechanism be loose enough to have enough play it wasn,t pushing the mastercylinder rod far enough.
On your motor sounding like an air plane you probably have 4.10 gears in the rear end unless you are pulling big loads you would be better off changing to 3.55's or higher.
You might check your clutch fan and make sure it isn't locked up as it will sound like it is ready for take off no matter what gears you have if it is.
The rpm's at 60 isn't hurting it but it isn't good on fuel either.
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Thanks a ton guys. Starmilt, so If I found a ZF5 from a diesel in those years you listed before, I would not have to worry about an adapter plate?
Here's what I'm thinking for the swap. Please yell at me if I'm off:
The ZF5, from those years and from a diesel.
The ZF5 throwout bearing and clutch hardware.
Cuttin a little of the floor pan for shifter relocation
Dual Mass to Single Mass conversion from LUK...or just leave that alone?
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Post Fiend
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From: Faibanks Ak.
I like the single mass,but I like to keep things simple and the dualmass does not last as long in my opinion.
You will not need an adapter the later model 7.3 stroke trans will even bolt up but you will lose your speedo beginning in 92.
Im'm thinking the drive shaft is different.
You will not need an adapter the later model 7.3 stroke trans will even bolt up but you will lose your speedo beginning in 92.
Im'm thinking the drive shaft is different.
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Postmaster
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Clark 285VO is the one needed IIRC, I'm keeping my E4OD till I find one of these then I'm going bolt-action - ZF5 is alright trans, but I want bulletproof medium-duty stuff, for that one time when I have to gross at over 30k again...
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Thanks a ton everyone, just solved a lot of headache for me right off the bat. 
I'm surprised any diesel ZF5 from 87-93 will bolt up to a 96 6.9 but like I'd said, came in with no experience with diesels or Ford's.
I'm surprised any diesel ZF5 from 87-93 will bolt up to a 96 6.9 but like I'd said, came in with no experience with diesels or Ford's.
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