Well I'm probably going to sound batshit crazy with this, but if it can be done with rangers, why Not an F150? A Manual Swap, I'm talking about. Into a 2007 4x4. 5.4L. Extended cab. Its either this, or i downgrade to a new 4 cylinder 2wd 5 speed ranger next year...either way I WILL be driving a standard by this time 2012.

Anyways. I know I need the pressure plate, clutch, hydraulic system, pedal cluster, shifter.

Some things I'd like to confirm if anyone knows...Will i need a different:

Middle seat/center console?
Throttle (the current is drive by wire...does it need to be converted to cable?)
Transfer case? I currently have a manual transfer case and I feel like it should bolt right onto a manual trans with the same linkages, No?


What trans will fit? Its damn near impossible to find a 4x4 5.4L trans of this generation...will a 4.6L fit? or an older gen 5.4 manual trans? I know the M5OD-R2 isn't the strongest but I only haul heavy loads a few times a year so i think it will hold up fine to daily driving.

Can I just reprogram the computer or maybe swap in one out of a manual 5.4...might be able to scratch one up online somewhere.

My drive shaft....Will i Need it custom fit or can i just find one out of a 5.4L standard XLT and bolt it in? same with the cross-member. Are the holes for it already in the frame or will I need to drill them in? Also...I think the pedal cluster and hydraulic system from a 4.2L will work fine, No? Thanks for any input...I'd like to make this project a reality

 

hell you could find a super duty with the 5.4 and stick...get the stuff out of that

 

Don't they have the ZF though? I don't wanna lift my truck just to put a different tranny in it. Not really into Suspension mods. And I know the Zfs don't fit F150s bolt in.

 

i know the powerstrokes have the ZF...idk about the 5.4 gasser

 

Hmmm. i'll have to look into it real quick.

EDIT: apparently the M5OD-R2 was never even offered with the 5.4...strange, because I know i've seen it. On the previous gen it was, but I did see it.

 

Yep, you could get a ZF6 manual transmission behind the 5.4L (and 6.8L) gas engine in a Super Duty through the 2010 model year. It's a beefy transmission, for sure. It's not smooth or even quick shifting, but it has an awesome "Low" gear with a great overdrive gear. I mean, the Low ratio is something like 5.79:1- If you put the transmission in low and the transfer case in low range and if you have a 4.10 axle ratio, you'd be looking at a crawl ratio of 64:1. That's something only a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon can beat if you're into wheeling specs...

The Zf6 is a a truck transmission in every sense of the word. Don't expect to pull great ETs or 1/4 mile times at the track with this tranny. But if you want stone reliability and, then look no further. Check my avatar for the shifting pattern.

Another cool fact: the Ford ZF6 even has a transmission cooler whereas the GM variants did not. The transmission cooler runs into the radiator, similar to that of an automatic.

I have no idea if this transmission would work in an F150 and it's floorpan though. I can tell you, however, that it does bolt up to the 3 valve 5.4L engine.

 

I've heard of people putting this tranny behind the engine in an F150 with either a lift kit....or cutting the floor pan. I'd have to try and find out exaclty what the dimensions would be. I'd love to have the HD tranny...

 

Thats because the m50d won't stand up to the 5.4. A 3v 5.4 would eat trannys all day. Its really best suited to small v6's or 4 bangers

 

I agree, no manual options really suck. Your best bet would be to start looking in junkyards. There were quite a few 5 speed 4.6l trucks out there. That could atleast get you a start with the pedal assembly and other odds and ends.

 

that was my thought...but if the 5.4 is really gonna eat M5s like that then I'd like to put in a ZF5 or 6...doesn't matter to me. I'm just wondering if the transfercase will bolt to the back of a ZF and if the hydraulics out of a 4.6 or 4.2 will work for the clutch. Or maybe the F250s hydrualics will all bolt in...I've got 48,500 miles on 'er now, waiting for the warranty to go before I tear into this, so I have time. Not alot of it but hopefully enough. I did 8k miles in 5 months.

The one reason I'd really like to make this all work is my only other option is a 4 banger 2wd stick ranger O_o

 

I'm not sure a ZF would fit in the f150's doghouse. Go to a junkyard and start measuring and taking pictures. You more the likely could use the pedel assy. from another f150 and use the f250+ hydraulics. I think you'll also need the f250's Tcase.......

It's going to cost a lot of time and money.

 

I think I read the transfercase I have now should bolt to the back of a zf5....Ima have to do some major research though. I have to find my closest pick n pull...my closest JY isn't a pick and pull...not allowed back there. So so far:

The ZF5 will bolt to the back of a 5.4.
I can get a pedal cluster from any 2004+ F150
Hydraulic system from a 250.

Just had another idea....Maybe I could get an M5OD-R2 out of a 4.6, and build it up with heavy duty gears/synchros? It would make the bolt in alot easier. Just a thought. Thanks for everyones input so far!

 

I know of stock 5.4's that tear up ZF's.

 

So weather I go ZF or M5 it'd probably be worth it in the long run to build it up anyways.