how do i make my truck a manual?

585

Asked by Eric Feb 16, 2015 at 10:02 PM about the 1996 Ford F-150 XLT 4WD LB

Question type: Car Customization

i have a 96 ford f150 4x4 with the 351w. the transmission blew out the front seal and
screwed it up internally. i was going to rebuild it but i decided that it would be so much
nicer if it was a stick. my goal is to convert it over to a manual with as little headache
as possible. i know i will need the pedal assy. transmission clutch bell housing etc. but
what i am wondering is if i will have to relocate the factory exhaust, do any metal work
on the truck, and will i have to replace the transmissions cross member? i am looking
to buy all of the necessary parts to get the job done and need a list of everything i will
need, need to do, and need to look into. basically just a checklist, considering i have
never done this before

8 Answers

585

thanks! i was not aware of the electrical work i would have had to do. it would have been a nightmare to get that far and have to deal with that. i appreciate it.

585

agreed. i think ill just trade the truck for a 80-85. i like the body style more than the newer anyways.

585

i hear that man, i feel pretty lucky to push 18 out of the Windsor. im pretty sure its not supposed to be like that though.

585

i know. i think i am going to put the single port throttle body on it off of the 5.0 for better throttle response. but i dont know how it will effect the mpg vs. having the dual port. all in all i have a $7800 parts list for the truck including everything from performance to style. its one of those trucks that i want to build up. and it be the only project i never get rid of. carid.com stylintrucks, and 4wheelparts are going to be my new buddys ha!

585

so... i checked the fluid, it was only a quart low, but three days ago it was bone dry. i put a quart in it and started it up and let it warm up for 30 min,there was no leaks to be found. drove it around about 6 miles of back roads, still no leaks, and the transmission is acting better than ever. im completely stumped! i dont know if the snow and ice has effected it temporarily or not, it just doesnt make any sense to me. any ideas of what might be going on?

585

it already has a aftermarket tranny cooler on the front of the radiator. also how would i go about installing a aftermarket gauge for tranny temp just to keep an eye on it?

585

who ever put the aftermarket tranny cooler in already bypassed the radiator completely. i drove it every bit of 20 miles today and i kicked it into passing gear three times still no leaks and reading perfect on the dip stick. you dont recon it was the breather in the tranny do you? it could have got clogged up and busted loose spilling fluid. truth to be told im no transmission expert but i can do just about everything else except transfer cases.

585

i drove over a few small trees no taller than myself and now every gauge but my speedo doesnt work. dash lights and everything work. my cruise control stopped working as well. i have checked all fuses and connection throughout the whole truck cant find the problem

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