72 F250 mod delete

[Unter]

I recently purchased a 1972 F250 4x4 with a 390. It has been modified in that it has a 2001 Ford F250 Superduty diesel transmission complete with controller and push button shifter. The mod wasn't completed in that the 4x4 shaft and means to engage it were never realized. Also, a console was never made to house the controller and shifter.

The guy I bought it from is a great dude and is way more talented than I am to get as far as he did. I drove it to Pennsylvania from Pheonix and the tranny works great, I just loathe auto transmissions. I want to convert it back to a manual.

The guy I bought the truck from also included in the deal a getrag 5 speed tranny that had the shaft modified to fit. The tranny itself has all new innards and has never had oil in it. Apparently he had the getrag installed at one point (before the rebuild I assume) but then changed his mind and went the route of the auto trans.
What he told me was this;
the getrag came out of a 91 cummins diesel
I'll need to get the original drive shaft shortened a bit to fit
The flywheel that's in it needs to come out and the original put back - I have that too
I'll need to find a hydraulic clutch assembly

Also, the original clutch 'arm' broke and he cut it off so I'll need to find a replacement for that as well.

So... I want the easiest route to a manual transmission. The 5 speed would be awesome but I'd be willing to put the original 4 speed back in if I can find one. From reading in here I've found that to be the NP435. Is that correct? Whats the best route to take here? If anyone is interested in the auto trans set up that I have I'll be selling it as soon as I get it out. I was told it has less than 30k on it (+ the 2100 miles I put on it to get it home).

Photos of the automatic:

t1.jpg

t2.jpg

t3.jpg

[Unter]

These are the controller and shifter.

t5.jpg

t6.jpg

[Unter]

Photos of the getrag and stuff that came with:

t21.jpg

t22.jpg

t23.jpg

[Unter]

More stuff...

t24.jpg

t25.jpg

[Unter]

Almost forgot to post the truck.

f250.jpg

Any info that you need - I'll be happy to provide. Thanks!

[cep62]

Well I can't help you with your questions , but I'd like to welcome you to the site .
And that is a sweet lookin truck.

[Unter]

Thanks! I'm going to need a lot of help and this site came highly recommended.

[cstoyer]

Unter, Nice Truck and welcome from another Pa guy. Looks like you have the right bell housing and clutch arm and clutch pedal but I don't the see the "Z Bar" and linkage. Regardless that can be bought along with the correct NP435. I would replace the clutch and have someone check the flywheel and surface it for you before putting it back in. I just got a Ford Motorsports Flywheel and RAM Power Grip Clutch for mine that will go in this spring.

[Unter]

Thanks cstoyer, where did you get the clutch and flywheel? I've been looking at transmissions - namely the np435. After researching it I'm not as sure as I was that I need an np435. Could it be a Borg Warner? Or is that just another replacement? Let me ask you this... Do you have a trusted source for transmissions?

[cstoyer]

I had a local parts shop get the clutch for me because he is a RAM dealer through pro mod racing, plus he is a friend. The flywheel came from Summit Racing because he recommended that one for the clutch. I wouldn't have needed the flywheel because my original is still good but the RAM Power Grip clutch will not fit the stock flywheel. That clutch is rated for 550hp which 50hp above where my motor will be when I put it back in.

Transmissions, that is a tough one. Couple questions; You said you want a manual but do want to put the original a 4 speed NP435 back in it or the Getrag you have? Is the drive shaft in your picture the original short shaft from the stock ford transmission to transfer case? If so that a plus for the 435 option. For what its worth Bronco Grave Yard sells a rebuilt NP435 for $875.00 plus shipping but you will still need the tail piece unless that with the parts load as well. Regardless I think the easiest option is NP435's since you can buy off the shelf stuff to put it in and not do a lot of fab work.

cstoyer

[Unter]

Yep, I think that's the way I'm headed. I want to get the original back in - because it's easiest - and work on getting what I need to put the getrag in later. The shaft is the original uncut shaft. I'll have to look agian for the tail piece. I think I'm going to need the pedal mechanism that joins the brake and clutch together as well. If I can round up those parts I can probably swap out the tranny in a day. The getrag gives me that fifth gear but from what I'm reading and hearing a hydraulic clutch is the way to go and that's going to take a little more reasearch - for me at least. I can fix anything that's already there (given enough time) but I'm not imaginative enough for mods. I've always wanted one of these but I'm new to them. Is the T18/19 designation in reference to the tail cone? Some kind of adapter? Or some other transmission altogether? When searching for the np435 that keeps coming up. Thanks again for all your help. Where are you in PA? I'm just west of Pittsburgh.

[cstoyer]

T18-T19 are 4 speed top loader transmissions like the NP435 and were used around the same time frame. I am north of Pittsburgh.

[Canonman67]

Another way to a five speed is the nv4500, I've put one in my truck and it didn't require a lot of modification not even a juice clutch. My truck is a 2wd but there's a lot of info on using the nv4500 in 4wd as it's a favorite of Jeep and Bronco owners.

[eggman918]

The intermediate shaft in the picture you posted is not the original one it is only about half as long as you will need for the factory 4 speeds.
As far as 5 speeds go the gertrag is a good box and if it's fresh and the input shaft is right for your needs it to me is a very attractive option,
you most likely will need a new intermediate shaft whatever direction you go from here. The more I think about it the 5 speed you have looks like the least work or close to it the clutch linkage should be easy to source,the gertrag's ratios are 5.53/3.02/1.60/1/.77 a nice match to your engine...........
the gertrag would be a "no brainer" to me

[Unter]

I've looked hard at the nv4500 and it's definitely not off the table. I would like to work with what I have for now though. All the wife sees at this point is money going away. I want to get it put together and let her have some fun before I go into the next phase. Lol.

The getrag is going to require some parts finding. If I do need the intermediate shaft anyways then maybe the getrag is the way to go.

From the door tag I now know that originally it had the np435. Novak wants 1200 for the tranny, tail cone and shift kit. A bit pricey but I have it. I would think the money better spent on the getrag. I have to be honest though - the thought of making a cross member and mounting a hydraulic clutch and then making the linkage all work... I just don't know if I can do it. I've heard they can be tricky to line up right. It'll end up sitting and pissing my wife off.