change out automatic trans to manual

[Brown]

I have owned a 1983 F250 4wd 6.9 diesel with automatic transmission since 1992, it started out its life with me as a daily driver and farm truck (towing livestock trailer and pulling equipment trailer). I do not overload my trucks and abuse them and I do give them regular maintenance and repair. In 2009 (with 300,00 miles) the engine was getting tired and the transmission started to slip occasionally when loaded. I quit pulling trailers with it and added a feed box on the flat bed and started to use it for a feed truck for the cattle operation. Last week (Nov.2020) the transmission started to slip when traveling down the road above 50 mph, I have access (free, no charge) to a  1983 F250 4wd 6.9 diesel with a manual transmission, if I change my truck to manual transmission  is it going to be necessary to change the differentials from the manual trans. truck to my truck? A rebuilt auto. trans. is $2,000. to $4,000. and I am retired and money is tight but time is plentiful. I love this old truck and I am having problems letting it go to the crusher.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Welcome to the forum Nate*!  

No, you won't need to change differentials, but you will need to drill a hole in the firewall and change the pedal support.
I might suggest you swap out the steering column, since it has to come out for the pedals anyhow.

You also will have to swap over the flywheel and starter... perhaps the transmission mount when going from C6 to T-19.

And the neutral safety switch harness for the clutch safety starter interlock.

You are really in a good situation, having a complete donor.  

[kramttocs]

Welcome!

As Jim stated, the swap is very doable and sounds like you've got all you need.

Just to entertain sticking with the auto - not sure where you are located but that sounds high for a drop off rebuild. Mine was something like 750 and most of that was labor. If you feel like rebuilding it yourself, out of pocket wouldn't be too bad.

[Brown]

Thanks for the information, you have made my day, Have a good evening!!!

[Brown]

Thanks for the reply, I have been successful in rebuilt and repair of various units but have been a bit reluctant to try automatic transmissions, it may be time to give one a try, do you have a suggestion for a instruction manual or web site and a parts supplier?

[kramttocs]

I've never done one myself but would really like to. Timing didn't work out for me on this build but next time I hope it does.
Others will have better personal experience and suggestions but at one time I had some ATSG manuals saved on eBay. Seemed like that manual is well received.
I didn't get far enough to settle on a rebuild kit but I recall looking at the TCI offerings (I use their pan).
Sorry - I don't have much advice to offer on the rebuilding itself but just wanted to mention the diy route as a possibility since time isn't an issue.

Either route taken, I am looking forward to your project

[grumpin]

Welcome!

[Brown]

Thanks Scott

[Brown]

Thanks Dane

[Gary Lewis]

Welcome!  Sorry I'm late to the party, but glad you joined.  

Where's home?  I ask because we have a map (Bullnose Forum/Member's Map in the menu) and we could add you if we had a zip.

On the rebuild procedures, we have the ones from the factory shop manual at Documentation/Driveline/Transmissions/Automatic Transmissions/C6.

[1986F150Six]

Welcome!

[Rembrant]

ArdWrknTrk wrote

No, you won't need to change differentials, but you will need to drill a hole in the firewall and change the pedal support.

Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the 1983 cabs all had the imprint of where the clutch master cylinder goes, even if the truck originally came with an auto trans. Not that it means much, but it sure makes locating the hole easy. I have to install a clutch master in my 1980, and there's no markings for it unfortunately.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Indeed. The 460 came back in 1983 with a manual option (replacing the 400)
It and the diesel got hydraulic clutches. With all future production having firewalls with that indentation.

I don't believe the Windsor pattern trucks (including 300) got a hydraulic clutch until the '84 model year.
But I may be wrong on that.
The firewalls were stamped for the master cylinder though.

[Rembrant]

ArdWrknTrk wrote

I don't believe the Windsor pattern trucks (including 300) got a hydraulic clutch until the '84 model year.
But I may be wrong on that.

Ya, my 1984 w/302 had factory hydraulic clutch.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Does anyone have an '83?

Pretty sure Ford was determined to use up all those Z-bars somewhere.

[Rembrant]

ArdWrknTrk wrote

Does anyone have an '83?

Pretty sure Ford was determined to use up all those Z-bars somewhere.

Ya, I think that the '83 cabs had the hole for the mechanical linkage and were stamped for the hydraulic clutch master.

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, the only 83's that got the hydraulic clutch linkage were those with 460's and the IDI's.  The rest of the engines got hydraulic in '84.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Thanks for the confirmation.
Glad I didn't misremembering!  

[Brown]

Home is 66783
Thanks Gary for the directions to the shop manual

[Gary Lewis]

Yates Center in my home state?  (Originally from Ark City.)  Cool!  I had a fraternity brother from there, but I can't remember his name.  

Anyway, you are now on the map.