been re-doing the 5.0 motor for my F-250 rebuild over the winter and with the warm weather coming soon it'll be time to get the running gear set before I swap the cab over ..

background info:

the build truck is a '87 F-250 4x4 w/ 4 speed .. Trans code F .. Axle code ..B9 ..
looks like someone was previously into the diff, as there is gasket sealant visible, may have been just to fix a leak .. running relatively fresh 135/85/16s that I will be sticking with until they need replacement ..

the donor is a '89 F-150 2wd w/ 5 speed .. Trans code M .. Axle code 19

I will use the truck for plowing, runs to home cheapo for lumber/large items, and towing a small camping trailer (pop-up) ..

I know some of you guys 'live' this stuff .. so first I have some basic questions, and I am also looking for any advice you can offer ..

what axles do I have? (by name, ie:danaXX) are any LS?
took a quick look, but didn't see any 'tags' on the axles, where are they?

can I use the 5 speed with the rest of the 4x4 set-up on the F-250?
if so will I need mod'ed drive shafts? .. will the back up speed be to fast with the trailer (even if I use 4 low?)

not afraid to do a gear swap if it'll get me a better rig in the end ..

would a semi-locker be a good idea?

tips, pointers, and what not to do appreciated ..

TIA

edit:

if you can put a name and # on the transmissions and T-case that would be nice ..

also, previously bought a centerforce dual friction 11" clutch

 

Ford Truck Enthusiasts .: Articles Have you tried here? From the list on the left click on Decoders, may help.

 

'preciate the pointer .. but most of that seems to be 'trouble codes' ..

did find one page that said the B9 axle is limited slip w/ 3.55 gears, load rating of 5300 and made by Ford .. in 1991?

mines 1987, so not 100% sure ..

edit:

poked around a bit on the 'ole internet .. my F-250's B9 axle is LS w/ 3.55 ratio, one question down ..

 

http://www.**************/myfiles/trannycodes.gif Here is a link for the transmission codes.
The axle code chart says `91 but does for about `80-`97. So can be used for your truck.

 

1987 F250:

F = Warner T-18 4 Speed Manual Transmission.

B9 = Thru 1985: 3.55-1 / Dana 60 or Dana 61 rear axle / Limited Slip.

B9 = 1986/89 Sterling 10.25 rear axle / 3.55-1 / Limited Slip.
------------------------------------------------------------
1989 F150:

M = Toyo Kogyo (Mazda) TK-R2 5 Speed Overdrive.

19 = Ford 8.8 rear axle / 3.55-1 / without Limited Slip.

Info source: 1980/89 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalog.

The FTE decoders aren't worth two cents, have all sorts of errors and omissions.

This info didn't come from any Ford parts catalog. It was taken from a decode book sold in bookstores that is notorious for having wrong info.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For future reference: 1959 thru today:

If the AXLE code on the Certification Label (Warranty Plate thru 1980) begins with a letter = Limited Slip.

If with a number = No Limited Slip.

 

thanks numberdummy ..

so after looking here it looks like I have a Sterling rear axle .. (still don't know if it's semi or full floater)

still wondering what the T-case is ..

are there any aftermarket overdrive units that would help with highway cruising?

any ideas on shocks? (maybe go quad?)

 

The Mazda 5-speed from the F150 will not accept the transfercase you need a 4wd version for that, but that is also a light duty trans so you should be looking for a ZF 5-speed instead.

 

well, I'm way over budget already .. so I'll be sticking with the 4spd .. unless I could swap both of them for the ZF .. would the low gear in a ZF be OK for plowing?

 

Your T18 actually has a lower first rato(6.32) than the ZF(4.18 or 5.72).. depending if it's a close ratio or wide ratio version, in comparison the M5 only has a 3.90 first gear. I don't see a problem either way, all you got to do is select 4-low and use whatever gear works best for you.

 

yeah, in 4-low and 1st gear it's quite the creeper (my grandma with her walker moves faster ) .. just don't wanna be burning the clutch while plowing .. guess I'll be sticking with the current F-250 stuff .. just checking my options ..

 

1987 F250 = Warner 1345.

 

man you're good .. cold hard numbers .. clicking the 'reps' button just doesn't seem to do it (it's not seen by others, and you're like off the scale anyhow) ..

so this one's for you

 

I have the 1980/89 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalog...and you too can have one.

It's available on a CD from hipoparts.com (I'm using Ford microfiche slides).

btw: You just got some rep's in return, but...not specifically for this post.

 

don't really need one .. do I .. (thanks for the pointer though)

you actually have a microfiche projector/slide viewer? man that is old school .. you get it when you retired as a going away present or something (not like they needed it anymore) .. LOL

 

I bought two of the viewers from local Ford Dealers, got another from a dealer that was closing...for free. Plus...500 microfiche slides, 60 bound paper parts catalogs, a ton of misc catalogs, accessory brochures, color chip charts, HiPo parts catalogs (pre-Muscle Parts)...that hadn't seen the light of day for over 40 years.

This dealer had been in business since 1921, they never threw anything away.

I need the viewers, because all the truck parts catalogs I have after 1972 are on microfiche, 1979 for the cars.

You wanna see "old school" swing on by...my house is 1985 on the outside, 1885/1940 on the inside!