Hey Y'all,
So i've been researching the ZF-5 swap to hopefully get the OD gear for the freeway. So far from researching it (On this forum and others) Here's what I know:
I can use my original T Case from the T-19 so I can re-use my drivelines.
It must be a 4x4 tranny or the output shaft must be changed.
I need a 7.3 DM flywheel and clutch to keep so it won't vibrate and torch the tranny.
I have to drill new holes for the skid plate.
Anything Else? I saw professionally rebuilt ones on ebay for 899$ plus freight shipping. Is this a good price or should I look elsewhere?
I'm looking to do this in the summer on my 1985 6.9. If anyone has done this I would appreciate feedback for what they learned from it so I wont be doing this:
Thanks Gents
-Linny

 

I have a zf5 in mine as well and it's the best you will live not hVing that friggin 4 speed. Mine was originally an auto so the tranny tunnel had to be cut for the big bellhousing to fit in there. Plus zf5 can Hadley louds of power

 

Getting ready (hopefully)to do the zf5 into mine. Any words of wisdom?

 

yeah go up to 35's ..... skip the tranny work .... you wont have much if any pulling power and the mpg gains will not be much if any .... these engines like to be spinning 2-2400 rpm's ... power dosent really happen till around 2K .... just thought you should know .... and if you get a close ratio ZF it would be better ... IMHO that is ...

check my pics ... love my 87

 

Don't be afraid of single mass flywheel setup, the DMF probably is a bit smoother but lots of people are running a SMF without issue. I converted to a SMF 2 years ago and so far the only side effect is some gear rollover noise when I take off which is normal. If you don't want to cut your floor up for the 5sp shifter, grab the floor section from a 92-96 truck with the ZF. It is easily removed with some bolts after you pull the carpet and will make for a much cleaner install.

The price of that transmission is pretty good, a friend of mine paid $800 for a junkyard transmission that he had to return a week later as it was worse than the one he replaced. Being on ebay though, make sure you do some research on the seller.