New Here But Not Really

TXCajun1 · Mar 11, 2026

Hey y’all,

I’m new here at posting but not to the forum. I’ve read some really good and interesting threads and there are some good folks here it seems. Any who’s, I inherited my dad’s F250 2wd with a 6.9 and a 4sp. I was 12 when dad bought this truck so I know all the history and details about it. But I have question or six, it has the Borg Warner T18 and I’d to swap it out with a 5sp. I have nicknamed it ole Bull short for bullnose… Bull is a workhorse for sure but gettin up on the highway with the 4sp and 3:55, well he’s not liking the 2500/ 2800 rmps to keep up with traffic. Has anyone done a swap like this before?

rreegg · Mar 13, 2026

This might help get you started but I don’t have personal experience. There’s definitely folks who have done the swap

6.9 zf5 swap

I have a parts truck that is a 1992 f250 7.3idi w zf5 My truck is a 1986 f350 6.9idi t19 Can I use the clutch and flywheel out of the 7.3 when I swap the zf5 for my t19? What else do I need for the swap?

www.oilburners.net

TXCajun1 · Mar 13, 2026

rreegg said:
This might help get you started but I don’t have personal experience. There’s definitely folks who have done the swap

6.9 zf5 swap

I have a parts truck that is a 1992 f250 7.3idi w zf5 My truck is a 1986 f350 6.9idi t19 Can I use the clutch and flywheel out of the 7.3 when I swap the zf5 for my t19? What else do I need for the swap?

www.oilburners.net

TXCajun1 · Mar 13, 2026

Thank you and I will look into this.

IDIBRONCO · Mar 13, 2026

Your best bet is if you can find a donor truck with all of the parts already.

Jesus Freak · Mar 14, 2026

Yeah, try to score a donor truck for sure......nuttin to it.....ill add that with a zf5 in front of 3:55 gears, 1st and reverse will be basically miserable. If you can score a 4wd Zf5, you could click it in low if you're backing out of a parking space, or maneuvering in tight quarters etc......I think @IDIBRONCO has it like that. Ive got the 4:10 and ZF5, that gives me 60mph at just over 2000rpm, and im happy(i dont like going much faster than that, and i don't like keeping up with traffic). 1st and reverse still suck, but 3:55 could be rough in some situations. Have fun, keep us posted.

IDIBRONCO · Mar 14, 2026

Jesus Freak said:
.I think @IDIBRONCO has it like that.

I do but this one's 4X4.

miked · Mar 14, 2026

Mine is 2wd . When I converted from auto to 5 speed I used the 4wd version for the ability to have low range. Even though I have no plans to make the truck 4 wheel drive.

Jesus Freak · Mar 14, 2026

IDIBRONCO said:
I do but this one's 4X4.

Yeah but like @miked Just said, it doesn't have to be 4wd to get some good use outta low range.

IDIBRONCO · Mar 14, 2026

That's true. I rarely back up in high range. Only out of a spot in a parking lot.

Jesus Freak · Mar 14, 2026

IDIBRONCO said:
That's true. I rarely back up in high range. Only out of a spot in a parking lot.

Lol, reverse could be kinda wild with a 3:55 gear.....you could do some knight rider maneuvers.....lol

IDIBRONCO · Mar 14, 2026

Someone could, but not me! First isn't usually too bad unless I'm pulling a medium weight load. Then it gets jumpy when I try to leave from a complete stop. That's only after the clutch is hot from engine heat. I have to drive 30 miles or so for that to happen. Cold? No problems.

TXCajun1 · Mar 19, 2026

Thanks everyone for the tips and ideas!!! Very helpful but in the mean time I’ll just drive it while I’m working on my 49 Ford hot rod…

hce · Mar 19, 2026

zf behind a 6.9 with 3.55. Might now something about that. See my signature. Never had a problem backing up in reverse unless I had a 20' gooseneck then four low was nice.

TXCajun1 · Mar 23, 2026

Ok y’all I’ve been looking at donor trucks and none are really cheap enough… So here is another question, does anybody have experience with Gear Vendor overdrive? I have briefly looked at this and these are cheaper than trucks I’m finding…

New Here But Not Really

TXCajun1

Registered User

rreegg

IDI n TDI

6.9 zf5 swap

TXCajun1

Registered User

6.9 zf5 swap

TXCajun1

Registered User

IDIBRONCO

IDIBRONCO

Jesus Freak

Full Access Member

IDIBRONCO

IDIBRONCO

miked

Full Access Member

Jesus Freak

Full Access Member

IDIBRONCO

IDIBRONCO

Jesus Freak

Full Access Member

IDIBRONCO

IDIBRONCO

TXCajun1

Registered User

Attachments

hce

So can i....

TXCajun1

Registered User

Similar threads

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Members online

Share this page