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Thread: MT Swap into a 92+ E350 7.3?

  1. #1
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    Default MT Swap into a 92+ E350 7.3?

    Building my game plan and wondering if anyone has converted an AT to MT in their E350 with a Diesel? Since I'm going to have to yank half the trans out when I do my 4x4 swap to add the t-case, I thought why not pull the entire 5speed MT & T-case from a super duty and get rid of the potentially problematic Auto at the same time. I know some E series vans came with manual trannys, so a pedal assembly could be had, but opinions are welcome on this conversion. Any computer issues? I know I'd lose my uber cool ARB Fridge Freezer center console (an ARB fridge freezer fits perfectly between the front seats of an E350, if anyone was ever wondering - also fits sweet between the super duty pickup bucket seats at ideal armrest level for taller guys, again if anyone was ever wondering) because the shifter would no occupy that spot.

    Comments?
    Terry
    1997 BMW R1100GS
    2000 EXCURSION 6.8 V10
    1994 F150 4.9 L6

    Age doesn’t always bring wisdom. Sometimes age comes alone.

  2. #2
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    you need to head over to www.oilburners.net and do some reading...its not so straight forward with the diesels..

    dual mass flywheels and clutch issues...or getting the right solid flywheel and clutch are KEY to getting it all right...

    also check 4x4 vans in google...there are a few writeups on doing them to the gassers (I also know a guy in PA that has done several and can give you his contact info if ya need it)
    Current rig

    2002 Ford Explorer 7pass 4.6L 4x4 family rig.


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    85 E250 Turbo 6.9 vegiburner
    6.9L of TURBO'D Internatonal Harvester...its kinda like a hot girl with an STD...you wanna get into it...but yer scared what it'll do to ya!!!

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  3. #3
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    The Ford vans haven't had a manual trans sometime around 75, so there's no easy pedal fix.

    I've come across one late model van that's been done, I think he's a member over on thedieselstop.com. He had to cut & modify the doghouse to get the shifter thru the floor. Not sure if it was gas or diesel.
    Chris Steuber
    02 E350 7.3 V4
    11 E350 5.4 V5
    99 E36 M3 (LS swap coming soon)
    www.ujointoffroad.com
    4x4 Van Conversions

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by ujoint View Post
    The Ford vans haven't had a manual trans sometime around 75, so there's no easy pedal fix.
    There is a Ford recall for MT Econolines in 1998 because they installed incorrect speedo gears causing the speedometer to read incorrectly, if thats the case there should be pedal assemblies (and clutch master cylinders) available for bolt on - its not something I'm dying to do, but I loved my old F350 with the MT and since auto's dont hold up incredibly well behind diesels that haul weight, I though it might be the opportune time to look into it.
    Terry
    1997 BMW R1100GS
    2000 EXCURSION 6.8 V10
    1994 F150 4.9 L6

    Age doesn’t always bring wisdom. Sometimes age comes alone.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by wanderer-rrorc View Post
    dual mass flywheels and clutch issues...or getting the right solid flywheel and clutch are KEY to getting it all right...
    It looks like DieselSite has that worked out: http://www.dieselsite.com/index.asp?...ROD&ProdID=123


    Quote Originally Posted by wanderer-rrorc View Post
    (I also know a guy in PA that has done several and can give you his contact info if ya need it)
    That contact info would be great - thanks
    Terry
    1997 BMW R1100GS
    2000 EXCURSION 6.8 V10
    1994 F150 4.9 L6

    Age doesn’t always bring wisdom. Sometimes age comes alone.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by RocKrawler View Post
    There is a Ford recall for MT Econolines in 1998 because they installed incorrect speedo gears causing the speedometer to read incorrectly, if thats the case there should be pedal assemblies (and clutch master cylinders) available for bolt on - its not something I'm dying to do, but I loved my old F350 with the MT and since auto's dont hold up incredibly well behind diesels that haul weight, I though it might be the opportune time to look into it.
    That's really really really strange!! I've never seen or even heard of a MT from the factory. I still don't believe it!!!!
    Chris Steuber
    02 E350 7.3 V4
    11 E350 5.4 V5
    99 E36 M3 (LS swap coming soon)
    www.ujointoffroad.com
    4x4 Van Conversions

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by ujoint View Post
    That's really really really strange!! I've never seen or even heard of a MT from the factory. I still don't believe it!!!!
    Used 1999 Ford E-350 Econoline Recalls
    Recall ID # 98V257000 - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION - Get Details
    Recall Date: OCT 14, 1998
    Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
    Model Affected: E350
    Potential Units Affected: 350

    Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/1999/...#ixzz0wG86mGo4
    Last edited by RocKrawler; 08-11-2010 at 02:08 AM.
    Terry
    1997 BMW R1100GS
    2000 EXCURSION 6.8 V10
    1994 F150 4.9 L6

    Age doesn’t always bring wisdom. Sometimes age comes alone.

  8. #8
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    I am very interested in this I to othought that ford dropped the manual transmission option in the e series van when they changed body styles in the early 90s. The most recent ford van I saw was a 90 with a manual transmission. If some one finds a viable option for installing a clutch pedal I will be one of the first to jump that band wagon. I would love to ditch my auto in favor of a manual. I will do some research tonight to see what I find.
    found this1992–present

    Fourth generation

    Production 1992–present
    Engine(s) 4.2 L Essex V6
    4.9 L inline-6
    302 CID Windsor V8
    351 CID Windsor V8
    4.6 L Triton V8
    5.4 L Triton V8
    6.8 L Triton V10
    7.3 L Power Stroke V8
    6.0 L Power stroke V8
    Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
    5-speed TorqShift automatic

    fourth gen only came in auto 4 and 5 speed courtesy of wikipedia
    third gen came with manual transmissions though maybe I will have junkyard a clutch pedal and see if it will fit.

    Derek
    Last edited by dsw4x4; 08-11-2010 at 03:18 AM.

  9. #9
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    did a quick search on that recall it looks like ford did a typo the recall says econoline however if you read the actual recall it specifies pickup trucks in the vehicle description

    1999 Ford Econoline Power Train Recall 98V257000

    NHTSA: Action Number: N/A Service Bulletin Number: 98V257000
    Report Date:
    Oct 14, 1998Component:
    Power TrainPotential Units Affected:
    350Manufacturer:
    Ford Motor Company
    Summary: Vehicle description: pickup trucks built with single rear wheels and equipped with 3. 55:1 and 3. 73:1 axle ratio. These vehicles were built with incorrect speedometer driven gears, resulting in a lower speedometer reading than the actual vehicle speed being driven.

  10. #10
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    I think it's a typo... This info was also there:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS BUILT WITH SINGLE REAR WHEELS AND EQUIPPED WITH 3.55:1 AND 3.73:1 AXLE RATIO. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT SPEEDOMETER DRIVEN GEARS, RESULTING IN A LOWER SPEEDOMETER READING THAN THE ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED BEING DRIVEN.

    Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/1999/...#ixzz0wHBCF1wn

    And just to be clear, the E series body & chassis changed in 75, and basically stayed the same till 91.

    I'm going by Ford tomorrow, I'll see if i can dig something up. I'm curious now!!!
    Chris Steuber
    02 E350 7.3 V4
    11 E350 5.4 V5
    99 E36 M3 (LS swap coming soon)
    www.ujointoffroad.com
    4x4 Van Conversions

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