mCpEAsOUP

Hi, I just bought a 1996 F150 xl with a 5.0 and 4 speed auto. I was wondering how easy it would be to swap in a 6 speed manual like a tremec t56. The truck is red and would be used as a sport truck. Any info would be great.
Thanks,
Kaleb

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

ANYTHING is possible, theoretically. What you're suggesting sounds extremely expensive and probably would be a real PITA, if the parts are even available to make it work.
Maybe the money might be better spent just making the truck be all it can be with a 4 speed.

Snaggletooth

Doesn't sound any different than converting it to a standard. If it will bolt to the engine it shouldn't a terrible hassle.

qdeezie

I have to agree that it will be a lot of work on a '96 since everything is electronically controlled. You'll need a manual ECM for starters. You might want to look around for '96 trucks that came with a manual trans.

If it were me, I'd build the baddest automatic transmission you'd ever want to see and call it a day. Since your transmission is automatic, you can control the shift points a few different ways, whether it be via the valve body or a baumann unit.

mCpEAsOUP

I had thought of pulling the ecm and other bit and pieces out of the junkyard, but as far as a four speed goes, I need more gears than that. I'll be towing a trailer, and I would need to turn off the overdrive, relegating it to a 3 speed, which would suck. I would be satisfied with a 5 speed out of another f150 or similar vintage though. There is a junkyard that usually has 3 or 4 of these truck at any given time.

qdeezie

So, is it going to be a sport truck or tow truck? Or do you just want a 5 speed?

mCpEAsOUP

Primarily a sport truck, but I still want to be able to tow about 3000 pounds (the weight of our trailer.) I think that it should be doable with a 5 speed, but I still would like a 6 speed

88xlt

The 6 speed you are talking about is a double overdrive, meaning both 5th and 6th gears are overdrive, sixth gear being faster than 5th of course. 4th gear is direct, same speed as third gear in your 4 speed automatic.

I can't see where the 6 speed would help you one bit for towing. Even switching to a 5 speed manual would not be practical if your present automatic transmission is in good condition, in my opinion. 3000 pounds is not that much to tow and a lot of people prefer an automatic transmission for towing.

Now if you had a 460 engine instead of a 302, with the 460s extra power and thirst for fuel, a 6 speed transmission might make sense. Just my 2 cents.

Snaggletooth

I haven't met anyone who preferred an auto to tow with. Not saying you're wrong just not my personal experience. I would much rather have a standard to tow with.

88xlt

I don't think you can buy a "NEW" Ford F series pickup truck with a manual transmission. I'm sure they would sell plenty of trucks with manual transmissions if they were still offered. That's just the way it is.