83 bronco manual trans options?

[mtw002]

I picked up a 1983 full size bronco the other day. It has a 302 w/a 4speed manual trans. I'm not big into rock crawlin but i do like to play in the mud and dirt. The 4 speed thats in it has a granny first. I'm not a fan of this trans due to the fact i want to be able to drive it more than around town. Are there any 5 speed trans that will simply bolt in w/o a lot of work?

I've researched and found info on a ZF5 swap but thats about it. I'm just looking for simple.

[fatdan460]

and that's about your only option unless you want a pos m50d, which shouldn't even be offered in rangers let alone fullsize trucks.

couple questions for you.
1. you do know you don't have to use 1st in a granny tranny on the street if you don't want to, right? it's a compound low 1st for starting out pulling heavy loads and to give more control and less wheel spin when 4x4ing or using the truck for work purposes.
2. do you need an overdrive? or did you just not know that granny 4 speeds are just 3 speeds with a compound low 1st gear?
3. you do also realize that a zf is also a compound low 1st gear transmission, right?

EDIT: none "just bolt in" without other mods as far as i know.

[mtw002]

Yeah, i'm aware of not needing to use granny gear to drive around in the street.

And I'm also aware of the zf having the a granny gear also but yes I'm interested in it for the OD.

I'd like to be able to tow on the interstate w/o being blown off the road... I havent had it up to speed yet so maybe I'm just jumping the gun. I was driving around in 3rd at 35mph last night. It just seemed gutless. It currently still has the 2bbl intake on it and stock exhaust so maybe thats a contributing factor. I read they came with either 3:50 or 3:55 gears. I guess its possible someone swapped in something a little more steep.

[fatdan460]

not even joking, it seems gutless because it is a stock 302 in a fullsize truck, and if you aren't thrilled with it now don't even think that towing will be the slightest bit fun or even enjoyable. they are gutless motors and you have 2 options here.

forget the 302 altogether and swap a new drivetrain in all at once, or sink a bunch of cash into gears, a tranny swap, a bunch of basic engine bolt ons, and still be pissed that you have a meh 302 holding you back from enjoying using your bronco.

[mtw002]

LOL... i know gutless is kind of a understatement. I did however pick up a 85 gt roller block i'm having bored out .30 and have a E-cam for it. Thought about using gt40p heads since i have a set w/aftermarket springs on them already and a weiand stealth intake... It all just needs put together... I've thought about doing a 460 swap in the future... I'll start with the 306 build and go from there... Maybe just maybe that will make it a little better to drive.