Here's the info from their web site:

BILLET PLUS SHIFTER for FORD F150/RANGER
Designed for a shorter and quicker shift, this Billet/Plus shifter for Ford pick-up trucks incorporates a high ratio pivot mechanism to reduce the throw by approximately 30% in addition to providing a more positive and secure feel when shifting. The shifter features a CNC machined 6061 T-6 BILLET ALUMINUM mounting base and heat treated BILLET STEEL gear selector for ultimate strength and precision tolerances, for smoother more accurate power shifts. Self-centering alignment improves 2nd to 3rd up-shift gear changes and an exclusive oil control seal prevents transmission fluid loss and leakage.

Model Year Engine Part No.
Ranger 1988-2000 V-6 391 5020
Ranger 1988-2000 4-cyl. 391 5021
F-150 1988-1996 5.0L 391 5025

I think they are on the ball enough to know that it won't work on the 97+ F-150's or they would have listed it on their site like the ranger stuff. I'm going to e-mail them and ask.

Mitch

 

I believe someone (wittom?) got a response from them saying they don't know if it works on the newer F-150's, but if we wanted we could try it out. But you should still ask.

 

unfortunately their tech mail doesn't work. I'll try calling them tomorrow.

Mitch

 

A while ago I started the thread "short throw... anything new". I really don't have a whole lot of auto experiance. I know I would like the transmission in my truck to perform better.
You can take a look at what all was said in this thread. I did get in contact with some one at Mr. Gasket (Hurst) and talked briefly with some one at B&M, but I didn't come up with much.
If you can find something let us know!

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...&threadid=9926

Tom

 

I am having similar shifting problems. My truck has 100K and I switched to Mobile 1, shifted like a dream for 10k. Smoother, faster, and quieter it was nice. But drove 2 hours into a strong headwind and when I pulled to stop sign, it would not go into first! Had to wait like 60 secs before it would do anything. Would not go in at all, tried like heck. Now does this off and on.
My question or statement is this. I am wanting to make it stop and shift nice again. Any ideas what I can do, fluids or new clutchs, anything that would help. I also changed the rear differential to mobile one (not sure if this has anything to do with it)

 

I just found this site browsing for info on my truck. Just bought a '00 F-150 SWB with the 4.2 and a 5-speed. It does the exact same thing from a complete stop with tranny in N and clutch released. Can hardly get it back into gear. But up and downshifts are just fine. Didn't notice this on the test drive because never went to neutral. Truck has 30K and otherwise is great. Guess the crappy shift into first is "standard".

So why is it most everything on cars and trucks as gotten much better the past 30 years except transmissions? A '70s GM 400 was about as bullet-proof as ever made I'd guess, and the 4-spd tranny on my Dad's '65 dump truck shifted as nicely as this '00 Ford......

 

I just picked my truck up from the dealer where they replaced my clutch and pressure plate under warranty. No Charge!

Definately seems to make a difference, can actually get it into gear at a stoplight now! Almost as good as the '65 dump truck...

 

My five speed is weird too. When I slow down to stop, I push the clutch in, and when I push the shifter to fisrt gear(barely rolling) it hesitates until the last second to engage, and makes a "THUD" sound(with the clutch still pushed in). When I first got the truck, it made a whining sound in 2nd gear, but it has stopped doing it now. I guess it was a little tight or something. And it makes a raking noise going into 3rd sometimes when I shift from 2nd to 3rd quickly. I'm thinking it's the synchro's or something. What could be wrong with a new 2001 transmission?

 

That's exactly what mine does.

-AR

 

I am glad to see it is not only me. I have the same problem with first gear. Occaisionally I will get a grind in 2,3,& 5th. I have never had a tranny grind in 5th. I own a 01 f150 xl sport with 4.2 and 5 speed. When I bought this truck new it had been about 10 years or so since I drove a stick. At first I thought it was me. Like I lost the ability to drive a stick. But talking to others. And reading all your postings. I have come to the conclusion that this transmission is a dog. And the clutch is definately substandard. My neighbor owns a 00. 40k miles. Just had the clutch replaced. 40k miles? If I don't get satisfaction with the dealer for mine. Its history. Back to point and click automatics.

 

Mine actually smoked the clutch while backing up a steep hill. And mine also rakes going into third gear (only on an upshift). Mine shifts smoother when cold into third. When it is hot outside, it rakes twice as much. I am going to be pulling a car trailer with my Mustang on it and the only thing I am worried about is the wimpy clutch.

 

Did you say "Smoked CLUTCH backing up a hill"? ME TOO.
Had this '98 xl 4.2 5 spd three weeks now, just backed up a moderate steep driveway with a rather light load on the lumber racks, and the dang clutch stank up the cab! I am really feeling nervous about this clutch-and mazda tranny that we have here.


I have a 1977 F150 shortbed step side 4x4, 400 M with Edelbrock intake and cam, C-6 with external fluid filter inline to external cooler, 2 speed transfer case...never a problem with slipping anything on that tank. I should have splurged for a paint job for the '77 instead of buying this 98 XL.

Is there anything a guy can do to help nurse these whimpy trannies along? I use mine for work ( I hope). I'm a building contractor and I need to haul 500 to 1500 pounds of material at a time,once or twice a week. Am I headed for disaster with this setup?

Thanks for all replies..

 

I am not qualified to diagnose any vehicle, so I am not claiming that I know what I'm talking about. I just wanted to throw my two cents in on this.

I have had an occational grind from first to second and from second to third. It is only occational. I tend to believe that it is driver error in my case. When it grinds, I am trying to get going quickly. I tend to let the clutch out before I have completed the gear change. I feel pretty stupid when this happens.

I will get a grind if I try to go into reverse while still moving forward. Again, I feel pretty stupid.

These trucks, with the manual, don't allow much room for error. Yes they seem a bit chinsey, but I think it is important to be percise when shifting. I haven't ground the gears lately because I have got more used to the feel.

I also think that the less riding of the clutch, the better. I try to ride the clutch only untill it starts to engage, from a stop. Then it's out all the way and I'm on the throttle.

I would have been great if Ford could have used a better transmission in these things. They didn't though. Hopefully, through discussions like this, we will be able to use and enjoy our trucks, without as much worry.

Yah, something like that...

Tom

 

For those of you who don't want to smoke the clutch try Centerforce at: http://www.centerforce.com/

They have listings for the 97+ F-150s.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

The centerforce clutch is on my wish list.As I hate the way the stock clutch feels. How hard of an installation would that be?(I am mechanically inclined).Should I leave this install to a trained professional? Thanks in advance.