2wd ZF 5 speed info

[averagef250]

I'm looking at buying a couple 2wd ZF 5 speeds, both have problems, but the problems are different between the two and I figure there's enough there to make one good one. BUT, one is from an F-450 and has the integral e-brake on the rear and the other is from an F-350 and does not. I've never worked on one of these with the integral e-brake and wondering how different it is inside? Are the mainshafts different? Thanks.

[390Nut]

Output shafts are likely different.

I don't see it listed in the knowledge base at this website, but you might contact them anyways to see if they have any information on that tranny.

Novak

[adrianspeeder]

I haven't looked at a '88-'97 F-Superduty ZF with the parking break tailshaft, so couldn't tell ya if it is the same as a 4x4 splined shaft output or a 4x2 yoke. I'll look around though...

Adrianspeeder

[averagef250]

Thanks. I've called around and got both answers- "yes they are the same mainshaft" and "No, nothing interchanges." I can't seam to find much info on the parking brake ZF's and it seams anything from just a manual to special ZF tools cost a FORTUNE.

[Jake11]

Used to work on a fleet of ZF equipped SD wreckers. I would stay
away. They are expensive junk. The cases wear out and the endplay
goes too big. The synchros and and most everthing else cost a small
fortune.

[averagef250]

I've noticed that many transmission parts houses sell ZF cases for a small fortune. I know the early ZF5 has a big problem cracking bellhousings, welded up a few myself. Didn't know about the case "stretching" though. That makes sense why they sell them for so much now. NV4500 case- $80 ZF5 case- $450 ?????

Do you know if the '98-up ZF5 or the 1st and 2nd generation ZF6 speeds have the same case issues?

[Jake11]

No not really. I would suspect though. They got rid of the SD's and got
cornbinders. And 1 GMC which was one of biggest "POS" I ever got to
work on.

[Jake11]

Hey, I'll throw this out there. If it's a pickup, you rarely lean on it
to hard, actually know how to drive a "stick", it should be fine.
They are pricey to fix, is all I was trying to convey.

[averagef250]

Yeah, a good friend owns a diesel repair shop. He will attest as well to how poorly GM's trucks are built.

Thanks.

[Ranchero50]

Yeah, they aren't impossible to work on either. The parking brake tranny is actually a 4x4 transmission. Unbolt the brake and the transfer case will bolt on directly. Only real tripping point on these is make sure the gear ratio is the same between the trannies or nothing will swap. Found that out on the '89 diesel wrecker out back. Tried to put the guts from a 460 2wd truck in and they wouldn't work with the PTO... Different ratio.

What's wrong with them and where are they going?

Jamie

[averagef250]

Nope, early ZF6 4x4 is 24 spline, current ZF6 is 34 spline.