Transmission swap?
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Joined: May 2010
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Transmission swap?
Hey guys,
I have a 79 f-150 4x4. Got a fresh 400 coming for it. I don't know what model of tranny it has other than it is a 4-speed. I like the granny low, but I can't stand the difference between 3rd and 4th gears. Trying to climb a long grade is difficult, because you are always downshifting. My question is is there a 5 speed from the 80's or 90's that will bolt up and solve this issue? I know the zf was made for the 460 or the 7.3 diesel and the 400 has the same bolt up. Any suggestions? Thanks for the help.
I have a 79 f-150 4x4. Got a fresh 400 coming for it. I don't know what model of tranny it has other than it is a 4-speed. I like the granny low, but I can't stand the difference between 3rd and 4th gears. Trying to climb a long grade is difficult, because you are always downshifting. My question is is there a 5 speed from the 80's or 90's that will bolt up and solve this issue? I know the zf was made for the 460 or the 7.3 diesel and the 400 has the same bolt up. Any suggestions? Thanks for the help.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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I put a NV4500 in my 77 highboy and I love it. However it has 1st as granny and 5th is OD so it basically has the same WIDE gear spread as an old 4speed. It was a bolt on and I highly recommend it. The ZF 5 speeds are also a 1st granny/OD setup and significantly more difficult to install. The wide gears are typical of a pickup transmission. It's one of the characteristics you have to expect. IMHO if you have to downshift to get up a hill...so what, It's a 6000+ lb truck not a 3000 lb Mustang.
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I agree. The downshifting wasn't a big deal. The problem was that third gear would be running high rpm's at 45 to 50 mph and going to 4th there wasn't enough power to keep it at 55. The 400 I have coming is going to have a boost in HP and torque so if I throw in a 5 speed maybe we can solve the problem. By the way. In what vehicle could I find one of those tranny's? Aside from the back of Eddie Murphy's SUV
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: northeast alabama
Most 1992-2005 GM trucks 2500/3500 and HD, or same year dodges. I would go with the GM version as they should all be 32 spline output shafts if taken from a 4x4. I believe the dodge applications use different spline counts depending on the year. Some of the forum veterans may be able to provide more specifics if you need.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
