1997 - 2003 F-150

F150 Manual To Auto conversion

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Old Nov 17, 2010 | 11:39 AM
  #1  
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F150 Manual To Auto conversion

I know this seems stupid but Im sick of breaking the transmission gears.. truck cant handle **** in the dunes..

Its a 4.6L and im planning to swap in a 5.4L SOHC block and put a PT62 turbo.. and since the transmission broke for the 3rd time i guess its time to start up the project..

Im swapping in a build 4R70W with a manual Transgo shift kit ( meaning Itll be manual but just a clutchless truck.

Lokar 18" shifter
and I am looking for the right torque converter.. PI ( Precision industries ) and I am going with a 2400 Stall.
True cool transmission Cooler.

I just want to know what should I do about the transmission wiring harness.. I really need help.

As for the cross member I'll just get one off an expedition or an auto F150.



Thanks,,
 
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Old Nov 17, 2010 | 12:45 PM
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From: Easton, Pa.
Here is some insight on such a conversion.
The trans is PCM electrically controlled for shifting. Your present PCM and wire harness is not complete to handle an auto trans. The trans is not able to be manuel controlled like the old one of the past such as the C6.
Thats the first issue you need to address.
For the trans application use, you need a huge fan cooled trans cooler as well as an oversize engine cooling system.
Also the trans should have a tight converter to minimize slip and heat production from fluid shear.
I would investigate Baumman Engineering manuel control head for the trans instead of having the PCM do the control. They can also answer any trans issue or question you might have.
Another shop that would be equally good is Level 10 in Hamburg, N.J.
Consult them for your application.
Putting the motor in is no problem but the electronics and other system design issues are, for the most trouble free operation.
And of course the stock manuel trans was never a strong unit for such an application or even near it.
Good luck.
 
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Old Nov 17, 2010 | 01:41 PM
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It would be easier to do a body lift and put a ZF5 manual in it. You can't break those things.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 04:44 PM
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From: Bama
Originally Posted by glc
It would be easier to do a body lift and put a ZF5 manual in it. You can't break those things.
watch me.. haha
 
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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted by glc
It would be easier to do a body lift and put a ZF5 manual in it. You can't break those things.
have anyone ever done that on a 1997-2003 F150 Trucks ?



And about swapping the 4r70w, I don't see why I need TCM for that since I am changing the valve body to a manual shifter ( TCM & PCM don't need to send signals to the valve body to shift into 2nd,3rd.. gears. )

I will only need the wiring harness OR have a good electrician wire up the reverse and IGnition keys.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 02:34 AM
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There is a trans forum on this site, that where I would ask or look anyway. There's a https://www.f150online.com/forums/tr...-zf6-swap.html going on currently.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 03:09 AM
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From: Joplin MO
There's also a thread here somewhere where someone swapped a ZF5 into an Expy, it didn't look that bad. The ZF6 is more complicated.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 01:56 PM
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Honeslty, I really don't wana go with Manual anymore, I mean I have my mustang and it's enough..

I want this truck for offroad use..

Like I said..

4r70W With
Upgraded Clutch Kit
Manual Valve body ( http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/...-000279323.htm )

And this.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/23-Lo...Q5fAccessories

As for the drive shafts I'll custom make them..
Wiring harness is whats complicating me as I can't find any auto f150 over here.. Is it possible to take one from an expidition ?
 
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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 02:19 PM
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From: missing Texas...
you will need the auto ECM as well unless you stick with the manual valve body
 
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Old Nov 19, 2010 | 02:30 PM
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I am sticking with the manual valve body ..
 
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