transmission question

[red403]

I know its not a bump but there is lots of knowledge here and I would like to hear some of that knowledge. I have a 86 ford 4X4 supercab truck that the motor has been changed to a 351 cleveland from a mustang. It has a 4speed with the granny low and 410 gears. The guy that I got the truck from for some electrical work done was going to use it as a hunting truck thats why the low gears. I don't hunt so I would like to make it work better for everyday use. I am thinking of changing the transmission out to a aod or a 5 speed manual. I have never done anything with a standard so I am leaning towards the aod. I am hoping that the aod or the 5 speed will let the truck be more everyday friendly without changing the gears back out. Any thoughts would be great on the best route to go.

[basketcase0302]

Can I first suggest this to positively ID your engine:
http://www.fordification.com/tech/engineID-V8.htm
Everyone nowadays says "Cleveland", when they in fact most of the time have the 351M. Once you know for sure what engine is in the truck-then you can know what tranny options you'd have.
The 351C's are quickly becoming a rare engine, and getting a little harder to find these days.

[red403]

I confirmed the cleveland before I posted here.

[basketcase0302]

Here's on swap a few of the guys here have done over the years:
http://www.fordification.com/tech/M5R2_5spd-swap.htm
Hopefully someone that has done a similar swap will pipe in here soon.

[Madman]

I think it will cost you more to change out the transmission and do all the mods than it would be to simply change either the entire rear end (same year swap from a junk yard), or simply the ring and pinion. Just my two cents.

Of course, if I am misunderstanding you, and you want to retain the low gears, more power to you then. But if it is a cost/pain in the butt factor.....I still stick with what I said earlier....


Hey, if I keep talking in circles I could become a politician!