Transmission upgrade on my 83 4x4

[CrippledEagle]

Considering doing an upgrade on my 83 F250 4x4 with the 6.9.
Definitely could use an overdrive transmission and I’m wondering if any on this forum has had it done? If so, what transmission and transfer case?
I’m content just driving locally if need be with the original transmission but I’d like to have a better alternative for traveling back home to see my Family.
Thanks for any advice and knowledge sharing.

 

[u2slow]

ZF5 manual. Any F-series tcase from 80-97 fits. Some 99+ superduty ones do too.

 

[KansasIDI]

Considering doing an upgrade on my 83 F250 4x4 with the 6.9.
Definitely could use an overdrive transmission and I’m wondering if any on this forum has had it done? If so, what transmission and transfer case?
I’m content just driving locally if need be with the original transmission but I’d like to have a better alternative for traveling back home to see my Family.
Thanks for any advice and knowledge sharing.

The ZF5 bolts right in place of a C6 or T19. Use whichever transfer case that is currently in your truck. You will need the crossmember from the ZF5 truck. It’s an easy swap.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I've done the T19 to ZF5 upgrade twice. I'm a fan, but I also don't mind rowing gears. If I was doing mostly city driving, I would definitely consider a E4OD swap just for the luxury of not having to constantly shift in all of the traffic. An automatic IS nice there.

 

[u2slow]

Even city driving, do not care for the E4OD. Rather work a clutch and have some oomph off-idle, than rev the engine to make noise and then the vehicle slowly catches up.

 

[rreegg]

Think @Austin86250 did a zf5 upgrade recently along with a d60 swap on a 4x bullnose

 

[Austin86250]

Think @Austin86250 did a zf5 upgrade recently along with a d60 swap on a 4x bullnose

Yes I did, was 2wd before even started as a c6 too then went to t-19 then zf5 from there

Zf5 is the no brainer for over drive, assuming you have a manual the swap is crazy easy. If you have an auto the c6 to e4od is a lot harder becuase you’ll need a trans controller

Or you can always manual swap

3rd choice is an auxiliary unit behind your current trans most commonly “gear vendors”, these aren’t my favorite option as they add in my opinion unnecessary complexity to your power train and if you are getting a new unit they are very expensive.

Im using a bw1356 out of a bricknose but the np208 that is commonly found in the bullnose from the factory will bolt right up and I recommend you keep,

If you are in an area where zf5 are in short supply you can use a 460 zf5 and drill it out to work for an idI that’s what I did

I enjoy the 1st and reverse ratios a lot the 2-3 gap leaves some to be desired but over all I can go either way the 2-3 gap is same amount of bother to me as the diesel high 1st and R

If you go for a zf5 I can likely answer any question you will have as I’ve done 2 zf5 swaps in bulls and 2 in OBS trucks along with many clutches in bricks

 

[IDIBRONCO]

the np208 that is commonly found in the bullnose from the factory

Those used a BW 1345. From what I've seen, the NP208 came out in GMs.

 

[u2slow]

Those used a BW 1345. From what I've seen, the NP208 came out in GMs.

The Ford 208 was short lived, and replaced by the BW1345.

If doing redoing driveshafts anyway, I would pick one of the later tcase with a fixed rear yoke.

 

[Austin86250]

The Ford 208 was short lived, and replaced by the BW1345.

If doing redoing driveshafts anyway, I would pick one of the later tcase with a fixed rear yoke.

The speedometer poses a concern,

 

[u2slow]

The speedometer poses a concern,

Good point.

I guess I've had so many vehicles with a busted speedo or odo that I've stopped caring. Would do an electric or gps retrofit it came to a "must have".

 

[KansasIDI]

Good point.

I guess I've had so many vehicles with a busted speedo or odo that I've stopped caring. Would do an electric or gps retrofit it came to a "must have".

Is a functioning speedo not legally required in Canada? It is in the USA, but if you live in a state without inspections (such as Kansas, unless it’s a commercial vehicle) then the authorities would never know.

 

[Austin86250]

Those used a BW 1345. From what I've seen, the NP208 came out in GMs.

Thank you for the correction, I rarely deal in 4wd bullnoses

 

[KansasIDI]

Some of the early bullnoses has some sort of NP case… must have been the 208, I don’t know if they were aluminum or magnesium, but they were chain driven. I’ve seen them on half tons and three quarter tons, 80-81 trucks, and one 82 that was built in 81. Never seen a diesel with one though.

 

[u2slow]

Is a functioning speedo not legally required in Canada? It is in the USA...

Yes, but no routine inspections.