Help with automatic to manual trans swap?
 

Okay, I'm looking to swap a manual trans into my '84 F150. The truck was originally and still is a 302 V8, 4x4, and a C6 automatic. It has a New Process transfer case, but not sure of the model offhand.

Some questions:

1) Would it be better to swap in a 5 speed than a 4 speed? The truck will mostly see street driving, not rock crawling. I'd like to have reasonable fuel economy with the more powerful 302 I'm building.

2) What specific trans models should I look for? I don't know which transmissions will fit my setup. For example, are there certain transmissions that won't bolt up to my transfer case?

3) What other parts do I need to complete this swap?
-clutch
-flywheel
-pressure plate
-pedal cluster (do these trucks have a one piece pedal cluster? Is it hard to change?)
-clutch cable
-shift lever

What else?

Any knowledge is appreciated.

Thanks!

1. Since your truck will see alot of pavement, I'd say go with the 5 speed.

2. M5OD or ZF5 with the sbf bellhousing bolt pattern. All Ford 4x4 transmissions bolt to all Ford transfer cases.

3. You will need the flywheel, clutch assembly, pedal assembly, master cylinder, slave cylinder and the hydraulic line.

Since the C6 and ZF5 are so close in overall length, you should be able to reuse the factory driveshafts. I'n not sure if ths is true with the M5OD

I recently swapped my C6 for a ZF5 and everything is a bolt in deal.

Thanks for the info!

Can you tell me what years the ZF5 or M50D came in?

How difficult is the pedal cluster swap?

What did you do about the old steering column and column shift?

ZF5 from 87-97 in the F250 F350. M50D 87-96 F150 and bronco. You can use the drive shafts out of the truck that you pull the M5OD from as long as its the same wheel base as yours. The pedal swap is not that hard you can do it without removing the dash just drop the steering wheel down to access the top bolts. When I did my swap I just left the automatic steering column in the truck but pulled the gear shift lever out. You are going to be able to find the M5OD trans a lot easeir than the ZF5 just because the ZF5 is in high demand. The M5OD will work fine in your truck with normal uses. I have one in my 94 and I have probably pulled a good 25000 miles with that transmission and my 25ft flatbed trailer with an assortment of loads. Just be smart about what you use her for and youll be fine. Its a relatively simple swap. Also the ZF and M5 are both a hydraulic clutch transmission so their is no cable.

I have seen brand new and rebuilt M5OD (aka M5R2) transmissions priced at the $700 mark. Used I've seen under $200. It's not the most durable tranny ever but rebuilds are dirt cheap and it shifts pretty well. Address the one major design flaw (rubber shift rail plugs falling out and loss of fluid) and it does pretty good.

Props for doing the swap, may stick shifts never die!