Manual Transmission Questions
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Manual Transmission Questions
I just got my second straight 6 F150, a 1987 with a 4 speed manual transmission. The Previous Owner did a clutch,flywheel,starter, clutch master, ect. the whole nine yards on it. It feels like the first gear is taller than I am used to. Not sure if I have one of those MAX mpg trannies or what, I really would like a little more pulling power but I do like the mpgs I'm getting.
My question is how can I help you guys identify what transmission I have and is it worth keeping and finding a different differential ratio? I'm not sure the gear ratio in the current differential but I do have a spare 3.55 rearend.
My question is how can I help you guys identify what transmission I have and is it worth keeping and finding a different differential ratio? I'm not sure the gear ratio in the current differential but I do have a spare 3.55 rearend.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,503
Likes: 2,820
Tall first, big gap 2nd to 3rd, 4th is over. A fine jewel of a trans, the SROD or variant:
Domestic Truck Tranny Guide
For light duty, the Mazda trans will work, not a super low first, reverse is a little high, gears are spaced well, OD.
More hauling, towing, the ZF, low first, OD 5th.
All shown at the above site.
Your 4 speed OD will work for a while, just take it easy on it as if you have the aluminum case unit, they don't like hard use.
Domestic Truck Tranny Guide
For light duty, the Mazda trans will work, not a super low first, reverse is a little high, gears are spaced well, OD.
More hauling, towing, the ZF, low first, OD 5th.
All shown at the above site.
Your 4 speed OD will work for a while, just take it easy on it as if you have the aluminum case unit, they don't like hard use.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,021
Likes: 5
From: Almost Heaven
I thought the 4-Speed was a granny transmission with no OD?
Either way, whichever transmission you have, treat it with respect and it will last you a very long time.
If your first gear is too high and you already have a 3.55 gear in the truck, you may want to consider jumping to a 4.10.
However the 300 does real well with a 3.55 gear - I bet you probably have a 2.73 or 3.00 or 3.08 gear. If that's the case, by all means, install the 3.55 gear ratio!!!!
Either way, whichever transmission you have, treat it with respect and it will last you a very long time.
If your first gear is too high and you already have a 3.55 gear in the truck, you may want to consider jumping to a 4.10.
However the 300 does real well with a 3.55 gear - I bet you probably have a 2.73 or 3.00 or 3.08 gear. If that's the case, by all means, install the 3.55 gear ratio!!!!
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
It sounds like my SROD, but that was discontinued in 83 I think. There's another OD transmission that replaced it, but I've never found much information on it.
If it's like the SROD
1st: 3.25
2nd: 1.92
3rd: 1.00
4th: 0.71
So yes, the gap between 2nd and 3rd is bigger than the gap between 1st and second! It sucks.
The T18 is a nice alternative, but you lose overdrive if you're interested in it. Could always look into a 5 speed swap too.
If it's like the SROD
1st: 3.25
2nd: 1.92
3rd: 1.00
4th: 0.71
So yes, the gap between 2nd and 3rd is bigger than the gap between 1st and second! It sucks.
The T18 is a nice alternative, but you lose overdrive if you're interested in it. Could always look into a 5 speed swap too.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
niteowl
1957 - 1960 F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Oct 29, 2013 12:50 PM
Macrobb
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Jan 12, 2012 09:34 AM
Proteus503
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Mar 7, 2010 07:41 AM
Brennand
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
16
Oct 5, 2004 05:27 PM
