'87 F150 Tranny question....
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 559
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From: Toledo, Ohio
'87 F150 Tranny question....
My 4 spd tranny in my F150 will grind sometimes when I try to put it in reverse. Also its hard to shift into 3rd gear sometimes...is this a trait of Ford trannys? I've asked other people who have had Fords and most of them said they had the same problems. If I start the truck and let it warm up for a few minutes its better. One guy said he had to have the syncronizers replaced in his trans at 40,000 miles because of the same problem and it was fine. My engine and trans has only 33,000 miles on them, does anyone else have this problem? How much will it cost to replace the syncronizers if this is the problem? When I bought it 6 mos ago it shifted real nice and smooth...I'm bummed!
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
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'87 F150 Tranny question....
I've got one also. The tranny that I have is a np435 and it's a great transmission. The first time I had a problem shifting in mine it was casued by a bushing worn out in the linkage causing a lot free pedal. If you have a lot or some free pedal, look under the dash while slightly depressing clutch. That one cost $10 at the Ford dealer. The next problem I had with the clutch not engaging was a case of "flexing firewall". The firewall flexed so much that it wasn't activating the master cyclinder fully which resulted in partial slave cylinder performance. I have a temporary fix on that right now. A rebuilt np435 cost around $1000 so I hope yor problem isn't serious.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 559
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From: Toledo, Ohio
'87 F150 Tranny question....
Nope, no free play, but I've thought about having my linkages looked at before I get to deep into it. I hope its not serious either, it goes down the road fine and have to have a little patience with it...more of an irritation than anything...DURN OLD FORDS!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
'87 F150 Tranny question....
"B" is the most confusing code. My truck has it, and I have the NP-435, which is a SUPER heavy-duty 4-sp with a granny 1st gear and no OD. Most code lists say B means the Clark 4-sp OD, but I've never seen one. Everyone with B that I've asked says something different, and 87bk150 has listed another one. You can check the link I gave and look up the TRANSFER CASE linkage - it has good info on TRANSMISSION types, or check this one.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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'87 F150 Tranny question....
Steve83, You just told me something I didn't know. Why did Ford put the code B on the sticker and then put all these different trannys in the trucks? I wish mine had the NP435 like yours. Mine is geared on the gearshift like this:
1 2
3 od R
It's good for gas mileage, but for where I live in the mountains and for towing, it's geared really high. I've got 3.55 gears. Would the NP435 be what I need?
1 2
3 od R
It's good for gas mileage, but for where I live in the mountains and for towing, it's geared really high. I've got 3.55 gears. Would the NP435 be what I need?
Last edited by 87black150; Feb 8, 2003 at 12:41 PM.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 115
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'87 F150 Tranny question....
This doesn't apply to NRAJOE'S problem, if its the synchronizers, but I was told by a Ford dealer that if your tranny is hard to shift when cold, you can drain the gear oil and replace it with trans. fluid or do a 50-50 mix. That is if you don't have any leaks. I don't think I would try this in my own tranny, but that's what the mechanic said.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
'87 F150 Tranny question....
Let your mechanic do that to his own transmission.
You can find the ratios of the NP on the net, possibly at BroncoData. Compare them to your current transmission's and do a little math or visit a ratio calculator (BroncoData has one, too) to see what would happen to your revs. A little more research will show you the power band of your engine and you can find out EXACTLY what would happen with a different transmission, but you can get the SAME effect by changing the rear end ratio lower (numerically higher).
****NEVERMIND****So 87; what's YOUR trans code? First you said you had the NP, then you said it was the TOD.
****
You can find the ratios of the NP on the net, possibly at BroncoData. Compare them to your current transmission's and do a little math or visit a ratio calculator (BroncoData has one, too) to see what would happen to your revs. A little more research will show you the power band of your engine and you can find out EXACTLY what would happen with a different transmission, but you can get the SAME effect by changing the rear end ratio lower (numerically higher).
****NEVERMIND****So 87; what's YOUR trans code? First you said you had the NP, then you said it was the TOD.
****
Last edited by steve83; Feb 8, 2003 at 11:33 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 115
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'87 F150 Tranny question....
No problem!
I'll check out your links to the gear ratios for the trannys. My Dad's 86 has the 3L50 rear, 302, and Borg Warner T-19 and it tows alot better than mine. Its geared ALOT slower. Trying to get him to swap trans. with me, but probably a hopeless case!
I'll check out your links to the gear ratios for the trannys. My Dad's 86 has the 3L50 rear, 302, and Borg Warner T-19 and it tows alot better than mine. Its geared ALOT slower. Trying to get him to swap trans. with me, but probably a hopeless case!