Hey Folks,

I have a 93' F150XL 4x4 with the 4 Speed Manual with Granny gear.

First my statement: I do not like the 4 speed for 2 main reasons.
1) I don't ever use the granny gear.
2) I only start off in 2nd and it is slightly bogged. If I start off in 1st it is almost useless because once you hit 3 to 5mph you have to shift. Great for pulling not for every day driving.

In the past I asked questions regarding changing tire sizes to a larger tire to make 1st more usable, or just changing the first gear out of the tranny. Out of all the responses the best one suggested changing to a 5 speed tranny.

My goal is to have a much smoother driving experience...

1) So... based on what you know above what do you think about changing this out to a 5 speed?
2)What 5 speed tranny would I use?
3)What are the pros and cons?
4)What is involved in changing to the 5 speed? Is it just swapping one tranny for the other or are there other considerations.

Thank you very much in advance!!

 

Greg. If you change trannys consider the hd 5 speed that's used in the super duty. You still have a low gear and overdrive. I personally don't care for the jap 5 speed currently used in the F-150. First thing to find out is the bolt pattern of the bellhousing, overall length of trans, and shaft diameter and spline count. Best of luck.
Henry.

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99 F-150 XL 4x4. RC Flareside 4.6 5spd, 3.55LS. gibson 3" cat-back, K&N Gen ll.Westin step bars.Ventshade window deflectors and bug deflector. rhino liner and a cool white shifter ball.

 

If you use Henry's suggestions, this should be a straight forward swap. At worst you'll need a new bell housing (salvage yard), clutch, and drive shaft.

 

I know which one not to get. The OD one in the old 85 era F150's. That thing was almost useless in OD. Had to get up to over 60 MPH to even put it in and it would pull no hills at that. Always downshifting, too much room between the two top gears. Don't get me started!

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97 F-150 SC Lariat, Styleside, White over Gold, 4.6L (Windsor), Automatic, 3.55 rear end, electronic 4X4, w/ every option of Lariat and ORP packages except the 17" wheels (I even got the OR decals now!) MOD's so far: K&N air box mod, Gibson Super Truck, clear Bugflector II, Leer TSC 600 hard cover, Bridgestone Dueler OWL ATP 265/75 R-16's, TrailMaster Invader N7 shocks, Smittybilt step bars, Ford moulded mud guards, "White-white" head lamps, Cloud Rider Design's SS Grill and bumper opening, Bosch Platinum + 4's, Hayden 30K+ Tranny Cooler,Class III Reece load distributing hitch system, full wiring including trailer battery charging system, Escort Sensor II Brake controller, Superchip

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=193146

 

Why don't you get a rebuilt or a takeout 5-speed from a pre-97 300,302,351 truck? I believe the bolt pattern is the same.

 

Pastmaster,

Thanks for the reply... that is probably what I will do. I just don't know what all is involved in doing so.

Thanks again.