4spd Shifter Boot NOS For Sale

[Rembrant]

Another item I came across while searching for parts. Again, this one is in Canada...way out west, north of Montana. I don't know how rare these things are, but I know I had a heck of a time finding a decent used one. Price is $55 CDN (about $40 USD).

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1447668393&requestSource=b

[Gary Lewis]

The catalog says that is E7TZ 7277-B for only 1987 F 150/350.U 150 All 4-speed transmissions.

I don't know why only 1987.

[salans7]

Because the top part of the boot is shaped differently than the bullnose version, possibly because the shift lever is a wonky design. And then the 5-speeds came along in 88 which were a different boot as well.

1987 was a weird year for Bricknose trucks, kinda like 1980 was a weird year for Bullnose. There's quite a few differences between 87 and 88, such as the whole carburetor thing, the 4x4 shift lever in the bullnose spot, the manual shift lever being a wonky shape, Lariat door panels are different, etc. See below for manual shift lever.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-TRUCK-F150-F250-SHIFTER-NP435-4-SPEED-SHIFT-LEVER-HANDLE-1987-88-89-bronco/372670220885?epid=1256644210&hash=item56c4e04a55%3Ag%3A1msAAOSw1aRc2yEo&LH_ItemCondition=4

[Gary Lewis]

Thanks, Shaun.  I forget how much of an oddball 1987 trucks were.

[Steve83]

...unique A/C controls, tophat manual hub locks, radios with non-functional release key holes, sliding t-case shift linkage, EUL/IMS module...  '87-early '88 Ford 1/2-tons are aliens.

[Rembrant]

salans7 wrote

Because the top part of the boot is shaped differently than the bullnose version, possibly because the shift lever is a wonky design. And then the 5-speeds came along in 88 which were a different boot as well.

It caught my eye because I'm doing a 4spd shifter swap on my 5spd, but it didn't look quite right. I have a boot from an '86 with NP435 that's in pretty good condition, but I'd take a NOS if I could find one for a reasonable price.

[Gary Lewis]

Steve83 wrote

...unique A/C controls, tophat manual hub locks, radios with non-functional release key holes, sliding t-case shift linkage, EUL/IMS module...  '87-early '88 Ford 1/2-tons are aliens.

Does that also include the '87 and early '88 Broncos?

[Steve83]

Yes, all 1/2-tons.

[Gary Lewis]

Steve83 wrote

Yes, all 1/2-tons.

Thanks

[salans7]

I forgot about the top hat hubs. Those were interesting, to say the least.

[Gary Lewis]

I forgot to ask about the top hat hubs.  Anyone have a pic?  A description?

[salans7]

Figured Steve would have already hit this one.

Here's a video that shows the replacement of them. Very strange design that Ford used on the Ranger all the way from 1983-1997. Not sure why Ford decided to use it on the F150 and Bronco. There's supposed to be clips on the lug studs that hold the hubs on, this guy is missing them in the video.

[Gary Lewis]

Oh!  Now I see said the blind man.  But that looks more like a stovepipe hat than a top hat.  

Anyway, I don't think I've ever noticed those before.  Thanks for the explanation.

[Steve83]

salans7 wrote

There's supposed to be clips on the lug studs that hold the hubs on...

They're only for shipping between Dana & Ford - they're not necessary after the first time the wheels are installed (just like the clips on lug studs for many brake rotors).

[salans7]

Good to know.