1972 Ford F-250 Questions?
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Junior User
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1972 Ford F-250 Questions?
Hey guys. I have a 1972 Ford F-250, 2x4, 390 Fe, 4 speed it has factory power disk brakes and power steering. I have been using the truck as a back up daily driver for the past several years. And it is time for some upgrades to make it more practical for everyday use. My two main questions right now is. #1 What is the best 5 speed tranny swap available for my application. I have been thinking about a nv4500 swap. I have read some old forums about the 5 speed swap and it seems the nv4500 makes the most sense. But all the articles I read was older and dident no if there was a better set up out now. My #2 Question. Is there any rack and pinion or power steering up grades for the 3/4 ton 2x4 trucks that work good? I would like to make my steering tighter/better if possible. If anyone has any build specs or part numbers or places they recommend buying parts like adapter plates etc... It would greatly help me out. Thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
A short shaft TKO will bolt on... even the mechanical clutch will work. The NV is an option though.. if you can find one. I installed a TKO behind my 70s FE and am very happy with it.. 18 MPG!
No rack n pinion available due to the epic bumpsteer which will result because the I beams and tie rods will swing in different arcs. Research the subject and it should become evident.
No rack n pinion available due to the epic bumpsteer which will result because the I beams and tie rods will swing in different arcs. Research the subject and it should become evident.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,009
Likes: 250
From: North Pole, Alaska
You can adapt a SBF ZF-5 to an FE with an adapter from Bentsen's but it is pricy at $1050 for the kit:
Ford FE Transmission Adapters
The other option is an NV-4500, but the bell housing is spendy too for a real truck trans for your F-250. What do you use your F-250 for, as a truck or as a cruiser?
Ford FE Transmission Adapters
The other option is an NV-4500, but the bell housing is spendy too for a real truck trans for your F-250. What do you use your F-250 for, as a truck or as a cruiser?
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1972 Ford F-250
I have read about the bump steer problems with the twin I-beam set up but was hoping they would have had something new out by now. And there is know doubt a new engine tranny swap would be a better choice with trying to do a 5 speed set up. But I completely rebuilt the 390 thats in the truck and has less than 8000 miles. So I have tons of money into it so it kinda a spot of no return for me. I have no idea why I dident build something else like a 351 Windsor or 300 straight six. But what is done is done so I am trying to do what I can to modernize the truck for daily use. I enjoy driving my old fords. The truck is mainly a driver with occasional medium to light pulling. I dident know if the TKO tranny would hold up? The 390 is just a mild build, aluminum intake, small cam, headers, flat top forged Pistons, all new head rebuild etc...... If I could trade the 390 for a built 351w or 300 straight six I would lol. I love the 390 just wish there was more options with it.
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