Maybe I'm going insane with age, but I've had this idea in my head about taking the 4R70W AT out of my truck, finding a 97-98 F250 donor that had a 5.4 with a MT, and basically converting mine into a 00 F250 with a 1/2 ton body style. Am I retarded or is it possible?

 

I was hoping this was a misplaced thread and you wanted to get rid of your all-terrains for mud-terrains...Why? It is doable I guess but the effort and cost seems like a major prevention.

 

I love to do the same. This is my first auto in 6-7 years. I hate not being able to choose my gears.

 

Damn.. I was really hoping there was a sweet deal on tires.

 

when i bought my 05 i was pissed and i mean serously pissed that they no longer offered a stick in anything but a v6 (and whats up with the 09 having no mt offered at all) so if it could be done would love to see it!

not to highjack this but seriously wtf is up with for getting away from a mt! More cost efficiant...for consumer... less wear and tear on the engine imo if u know how to drive one.... and just plain and simple how do you make a truck and not offer a MT!!!! I understand that wrecker companys buy f250 or 350's now but back in the day durring the era of the 90 to 97 f150's(last of the square front end) thats all you saw for a wrecker!!!

 

The ZF manual in the 250's and 350's won't fit in the tunnel. Mods definitely required. The M5OD in the V-6 and 4.6 is light duty and won't hold up too well behind a 5.4.

 

I'm not talking about the square frontend body styles, I was talking about the early F250's before the superduties. The whole thing was/is the same as a 1/2 ton body style. Sure I would have some wiring issues to sort out, but those early F250's had a 5.4L with a 5sp. A guy I work with has a ragged out 97 or 98 that he refuses to sell. And yes, I am ticked too about not having a MT option for the newer F150's. 1/2 tons work too. But if you'll look, all of the holes to mount the clutch (from pedal to slave) are there. Whatever isn't there can be obtained from the donor, that's if the whole truck was bought. And I not going to be bullheaded and say it'll be simple. I'm sure somewhere, something will have to be tweaked or flatout beaten to make it work.

 

Ehh I never realized so many people would be upset about having a truck that is easier to drive and IMO mo reliable without having to replace clutches and throwout bearings and slave cylinders and whatever else is associated with a stick. I guess I am too biased always having an auto. I don't see the advantage personally but if you want/can do it, go for it and be original.

 

Again, a ZF 5 speed will not fit in the tunnel of a 97-03 F-150 without a lot of floor pan cutting.

 

maybe you could fit it with a body lift though?

 

not to start a religious discussion but I think a manual is just way more fun to drive if you know how to drive it, never mind the gas mileage improvement and power difference. Also for the most part I think it's pretty clear a manual is more reliable then an auto. Auto's suck when they go bad, there's not much you can do if you are stranded with one, at least a manual you can still shift it even if it doesn't have any fluid, and then there's always the "pop the clutch" advantage too.

 

You will not find an F250 with a 5.4. They do not exist. A 1999 will be the first model year that has the 5.4 in an F-250. And as others mentioned the ZF will not fit in the Transmission tunnel. You will need the clutch and slave from the ZF and possibly the flywheel. make sure you measure correctly for the transmission hole in the tunnel. The length of the transmission is different so driveshaft(s) will have to be altered. if you have a 4x4 you can use your old t-case and the slip yoke. If you go with the New process you will need a driveshaft with a slip joint. The NP t-case uses a fixed yoke.

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In responce to Yetti, I'd much rather drop a manual tranny than an auto anyday. Already had to replace the tranny in my truck once before, and when you're doing it old school style lying on your back, it isn't fun. Anyway, this thought has been laid to rest. Thinking about retiring old faithful for a newer model. Not really looking forward to it, it's paid for, but it seems like everything wants to go out all at once. Can't complain though, have 175K miles on her. Oh-well, thanks for the input everyone.