1987 Ford F800 429 Manual Transmission

The 1987 Ford F800 with 429 engine and manual transmission is a heavy-duty work truck featuring a 7.0L V8 gasoline engine, 5-speed manual transmission, dual rear wheels, hydraulic brakes, and GVWR up to 26,000 lbs. This manual covers operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the transmission system. Below are key sections for specifications, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and service procedures.

1. Transmission Specifications 2. Operation Instructions 3. Maintenance Schedule 4. Fluid Requirements 5. Clutch System 6. Gear Shift Pattern 7. Common Issues 8. Transmission Removal 9. Safety Precautions 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Transmission Specifications

Key components: 5-speed manual transmission, synchronizers, clutch assembly, shift linkage.

FeatureDescription
Transmission Type5-speed manual with overdrive
Gear Ratios1st: 6.38, 2nd: 3.58, 3rd: 1.71, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.78, Reverse: 6.69
Clutch Type14-inch single plate dry clutch
Fluid Capacity6.5 quarts (80W-90 gear oil)
Shift PatternH-pattern with reverse left and forward
Transmission ModelClark 285V
Input Shaft1.375-inch 10-spline
Output Shaft1.750-inch 10-spline
WeightApproximately 285 lbs
PTO ProvisionRight side PTO opening

Operation Instructions

Proper shifting techniques for optimal transmission performance.

  1. Start engine: Depress clutch fully, shift to neutral before starting.
  2. First gear: With clutch depressed, shift to 1st gear, release clutch smoothly while applying throttle.
  3. Upshifting: Accelerate to appropriate RPM, depress clutch, shift to next higher gear.
  4. Downshifting: Depress clutch, shift to lower gear, match engine RPM to road speed.
  5. Reverse: Come to complete stop, depress clutch, shift to reverse position.

WARNING! Do not rest hand on shift lever while driving. Avoid gear grinding by fully depressing clutch.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long transmission life.

  1. Fluid check: Every 3,000 miles - inspect for leaks and level.
  2. Fluid change: Every 30,000 miles - drain and refill with 80W-90 gear oil.
  3. Clutch adjustment: Every 10,000 miles - check free play (1-1.5 inches).
  4. Shift linkage: Every 15,000 miles - lubricate and check for wear.
  5. Transmission mount: Every 25,000 miles - inspect for cracks or deterioration.

CAUTION! Use only specified lubricants. Overfilling can cause seal damage.

Fluid Requirements

Clutch System

14-inch single plate dry clutch with hydraulic actuation.

Components: Clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder.

Adjustment: Check clutch pedal free play (1-1.5 inches). Bleed hydraulic system if spongy pedal. Replacement: Inspect clutch disc for wear (minimum thickness 0.300 inches). Resurface flywheel during clutch replacement. Pilot bearing: Lubricate with high-temperature grease during assembly.

Gear Shift Pattern

Standard H-pattern with reverse lockout.

  1. Pattern: R-1-3-5 (left to right, top to bottom: Reverse, 1st, 3rd, 5th; 2nd, 4th below)
  2. Reverse engagement: Push down and left, then forward
  3. Gear speeds: 1st: 0-5 mph, 2nd: 5-15 mph, 3rd: 15-30 mph, 4th: 30-45 mph, 5th: 45+ mph

Tip: Double-clutch when downshifting to extend synchronizer life.

Common Issues

Typical transmission problems and identification.

  1. Hard shifting: Check clutch adjustment, fluid level, synchronizer wear
  2. Gear grinding: Inspect clutch hydraulic system, synchronizers
  3. Jumping out of gear: Check shift linkage, detent springs, worn gears
  4. Noise in neutral: Pilot bearing or input shaft bearing wear
  5. Leaking fluid: Inspect seals, gaskets, drain/fill plugs
  6. Vibration: Check transmission mounts, U-joints, driveshaft balance
  7. Clutch slippage: Adjust free play, inspect clutch disc wear
  8. Difficulty engaging reverse: Check reverse lockout mechanism

WARNING! Address transmission noises immediately to prevent major damage.

Transmission Removal

Procedure for transmission removal and installation.

  1. Disconnect battery: Remove negative cable first
  2. Drain transmission: Remove fill plug, then drain plug
  3. Remove driveshaft: Mark alignment, remove U-joint straps
  4. Disconnect linkages: Shift linkage, clutch hydraulic line, speedometer cable
  5. Support transmission: Use transmission jack
  6. Remove mounting bolts: Transmission to bell housing
  7. Lower transmission: Carefully slide rearward and down

CAUTION! Transmission weighs 285 lbs - use proper lifting equipment.

Safety Precautions

Always use wheel chocks when working under vehicle. Support vehicle with jack stands - never rely on jack alone.

CAUTION! Transmission fluid may be hot after operation. Wear safety glasses when working underneath.

Warranty Information

Original warranty: 12 months/12,000 miles from date of purchase. Coverage includes defects in materials and workmanship. Does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or accidents. For warranty claims, contact Ford Motor Company at 1-800-392-3673 or visit authorized Ford heavy truck dealer with original purchase documents.

Troubleshooting Guide

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Hard to shiftLow fluid, worn synchronizersCheck fluid level, inspect synchronizers, adjust clutch
Gear grindingClutch not disengagingBleed hydraulic system, check master cylinder
Jumping out of gearWorn detent springsReplace detent springs and balls, check shift forks
Transmission noiseLow fluid, bearing wearCheck fluid level, inspect bearings for wear
Fluid leaksWorn seals/gasketsReplace input/output shaft seals, check case gasket
Clutch slippageWorn clutch discAdjust free play, replace clutch components
VibrationBad mounts/U-jointsInspect transmission mounts, check U-joints for wear
No drive in any gearInput shaft brokenRemove transmission, inspect input shaft and gears

Service: 1-800-392-3673; www.ford.com/trucks

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