CountryPride

Ive got a 2WD 1992 f150 with a 302 and auto 4 speed trans. I don't like the way ford made these auto 4 speeds. The constant shifting between 3rd and OD is driving me nutts and locking it in and out of OD while driving is just becoming nerve racking. Id like to drop in either a 5 or 6 speed manual trans but id like it to be compatible with a 4X4 transfer case as I plan on doing the 4X4 swap afterwards. What kind of trannys would yall recommend? Im looking for a strong durable one that will last a long time and be able to tow a heavy load if needed. Im not looking for anything fast, just tough, durable and heavy duty. I know that itd probably be easier to find a 5 speed, but a 6 speed would be even better. Any help or advice on this swap is greatly appreciated! Thanks

fordtrucknut

the only real heavy duty 5 speed ford made was the ZF5 they are rare and hard to find in a small block pattern and even harder to find in small block 4x4.

NO i repeat NO
6 speeds are available for our trucks, 2wd or 4x4.
dont even ask any follow up questions on it. NO.

ford made lots of heavy duty 4 speeds, but from what your describing your not going to like not having an OD gear.

your only other option is the standard m5od(mazda 5 speed) these are what all the trucks of these years have in them.

if you want to put it in now, you'll have to install it with the transfer case attached, you just wont have a front axle or driveshaft. BUT you do gain a 2 low gear until you do get around to putting in a front axle.

CountryPride

Thanks for the info, I wasn't aware that no 6 speeds were available for our trucks. But yes, I would like a 5 speed with OD as I do a lot of highway driving. But my only concern with the M5OD is if it will be tough enough to handle everyday use with the occasional toying around on the trails and hauling slight loads. Ive heard that the M5OD is also known to have a few problems, but I could be wrong.

CountryPride

After a little research Ive come to find out that the M5OD isn't as bad of a tranny as I thought it to be. Some say is not very powerful, but Im not really looking for power in the first place. Read a lot of different threads and this particular trans seems to be able to take a beating. Now for the questions.....do I need to buy a 4X4 M5OD or can I buy a 2WD one and just replace the transfer case with a 4X4 one. And where can I buy an M5OD for my 302?? Any good sites to check? And just to be clear, do I need to buy a manuals trans center hump for my floor or can I simply cut into the one I have from my auto.

fordtrucknut

you have to buy the 4x4 trans, just leave the transfer on it, it will not hurt anything.

you can get a m5od from any 4x4 f150 from the late 80's thru 96.
4.9l, 5.0l, 5.8l all have the same trans mounting. you just have to buy the flywheel and clutch for the engine you have in the truck.

you will also need a manual trans starter too.

you CAN just cut the floor. dont forget to get the transfercase bezel for the floor too. the hole is already in the cab floor for it just remove the plate.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

You need the floor plate, it's shaped to accommodate the 5 speed.

fordtrucknut

sean is right, it does bump up higher in the middle, its been about 4 years since i did mine.

Scott'sF150

Don't forget a pedal cluster, clutch master and slave cyl., and you may have to mount studs for the CMC to mount to the firewall, I don't know if the auto trans. trucks have that provision as well. A trip to the junkyard will tell you very quickly.

Good luck, and post lots of detailed pics when you finally do the swap.

CountryPride

Alright, thanks for all the info guys. It will probably be a while before I get around to the swap (both trans and 4X4). But I will try and take some pics of the process as I go along. Just have to wait till my funding catches up with me. LOL. Then ill be making a trip to pull a part and see what I can find. I may try and buy the trans online or from a dealer somewhere if I can find one. I just don't think I'd particularly trust a trans from a junkyard.

tazzerblue

I'm upgrading to a 7.5 auto. in my F250 LD, its a 1989 model. with 82,000
It currently has the 5.0 EFI and 5 speed, 4x4 would you be interested?
its a 1989 model. If the Borg-warner 1345 doesn't work I'd sell that too. Let me know soon.