However, if you're determined to attempt it yourself, understand this is a high-risk endeavor and you could cause further damage to your truck. Here's a *general* outline, but remember details vary depending on the specific transmission type (e.g., C4, C6, others) your truck has. You *must* consult a repair manual specific to your year and model F-150 to get the correct procedure and torque specifications.
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery cable. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Work in a well-ventilated area.
* Gather Tools and Supplies: You'll need a complete set of metric and standard sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, a transmission jack, an engine hoist (likely needed), a torque wrench, jack stands, wheel chocks, fluid catch pan, new transmission fluid, new filter (if applicable), new gasket/seals, and potentially a new flywheel, clutch (if applicable), and pressure plate. Consult your repair manual for the exact parts you need.
* Repair Manual: Obtain a factory service manual or a reputable aftermarket repair manual specific to your 1986 Ford F-150 and its transmission. This is absolutely crucial.
* Parking Brake: Engage the parking brake firmly.
* Raise the Truck: Securely support the truck using jack stands after raising it with a jack.
2. Removal of Old Transmission:
* Drain Transmission Fluid: Completely drain the transmission fluid into a catch pan.
* Disconnect Components: Disconnect the driveshaft(s), shifter linkage, speedometer cable, electrical connectors, cooling lines, and torque converter. Refer to your repair manual for precise steps and order.
* Remove Crossmember: The transmission crossmember will likely need to be removed or loosened to allow for easier transmission removal.
* Support the Transmission: Use a transmission jack to support the transmission as you disconnect the remaining components.
* Disconnect from Engine: Carefully disconnect the transmission from the engine. This may involve removing the bellhousing bolts.
* Lower Transmission: Slowly lower the transmission using the transmission jack.
3. Installation of New Transmission:
* Install New Transmission: Carefully position the new transmission using the transmission jack. Align it with the engine and bellhousing.
* Reconnect Components: Reconnect the torque converter, bellhousing, and all previously disconnected components in the reverse order of removal. Ensure everything is properly aligned and secured.
* Reconnect Driveline: Reattach the driveshaft(s).
* Reinstall Crossmember: Securely reattach the transmission crossmember.
* Fill with Fluid: Fill the transmission with the correct type and amount of transmission fluid, as specified in your repair manual.
4. Testing and Adjustments:
* Check Fluid Level: After starting the engine and letting it run for a few minutes, check the transmission fluid level and top off as needed.
* Test Drive: Carefully test drive the truck to ensure the transmission is shifting correctly.
Again, this is a highly simplified overview. Attempting this without the proper knowledge and tools could lead to significant damage and costly repairs. It's strongly advised to seek the help of a qualified mechanic. The complexity of this job is significantly increased if you are dealing with a manual transmission, which requires additional steps like clutch replacement. The repair manual is your best friend; using it correctly will dramatically increase your chance of success (if you choose to tackle it yourself).
