I have an 88 f-150, standard cab, 4 speed stick, 302, with 4x4. Would like to update to a 5 speed transmission as I'm revving to 2650 to get 55-57 GPS MPH. My question is what years can I go with and do they have to be behind a 302?
Also my front motor seal has began leaking badly(probably high rpm's didn't help it) can I replace the seal in truck? I tried switching to 10w-30 it helped some but with winter she turns hard now and is still eating quite a bit of oil(drive 450+ a week so takes 1 quart+ but no spark plug issues or oil spitting exhaust so I do not believe it is eating it). And the front cross member is loaded with oil.

thanks
jeff

 

The 4.9, 5.0, 5.8, and some 4.2s all use the SBF bolt pattern so a transmission from any of them will fit. Most of the 5 speeds use a hydraulic clutch and slave cylinder setup and you might also have to change the cross member and/or drive shaft too. You will need a 5.0 flywheel.
Two 5 speeds have been used, the Mazda M5OD and the ZF. The ZF is a big HD trans while the M5OD is a lighter duty unit. Both of my Mazda boxes have gone 200k+ without issue behind a 300 in F 150 but most prefer the ZF because its a stronger unit.
The rear main seal is easily replaced after the flywheel is removed.
Merry Christmas
rikard

 

The front seal is also easily replaced. You just pull the timing cover off and replace the seal. It's in the cover. While you're at it, you may as well go ahead and replace the water pump and the timing chain, if they haven't been replaced recently.

 

thank u very much I will search for a 5 speed

 

Okay I found a 96 f150 302,auto for a good price? can I swap all over including axles or just too much work? it has no title but 400$ is good price

 

you can get your money back at 400!

 

but will stuff work without a lot of fabricating

 

Well either choice of a E4OD or 4R70w in that 96 will need the complete wiring harness to run the computer controlled tranny, and to complicate it more, that is an OBD2 rig.

Adrianspeeder

 

ugh figured that it would be a lot of wiring. thanks