Been looking for a work truck (farm type work, pulling stock trailers up to 7000# GVW and round bailes 1200# on and off road). I may have found one I like, 91/92 model 300 6 for a good price ($1400) just one little problem - its got an automatic and that just won't do. Now I'm mechanically adept but far from a master mechanic. I've replaced a couple transmissions and clutches, did an inframe on an old 250 Cummins and pulled the engine on my old corvair more times than I can count. Now I'm starting to convince myself that I could pull that automatic and put in a 4spd manual myself, I mean how hard could that be? I doubt that Ford made a separate cab for auto vs standard so there should be knock outs for the clutch pedal and shifting tower, right? And if not, hell a few minutes with a sawsall and a rubber boot and I'm set. I'm thinking I gould probably get the bellhousing, clutch and tranny at the local automotive recycling center for a couple bills and I'm started. The trans that is already in it (the auto) should be bigger than the manual so I don't think fit should be a problem just adapting the drive shaft. I'm starting to lie awake nights thinking about how I would do this. Any advice, warnings, suggestions? This is your last chance to stop me.
