Help me remember what all the differences are between the two. I know the 47 is supposed to hold more power and have a stouter input shaft but what else. I've seen a good info sheet on it before but cannot locate it now and I have one on the 42. I'm interested most in durability and the difference in gear ratios.

The reason behind this all is because I've found a 47 with low miles for a good price. I'm trying to decide if it would be worth buying and putting in and then selling my 42 to break even.

 

The input shafts are the same.

the 47 has a different throwout flange for it, you can replace it without pulling the case apart.

I believe there were some bearing and structural differences with it, but I'm not 100% positive on that.

The main difference between the 2 is the throwout collar/flange.
Either way, the 47 is better, so buy it and re-build it.

 

Is your 42 in good shape? I'm in the market.

 

powerstroke

This guy has a 2-wheel drive 5-speed in Connersville. Can you just remove the tailshaft on the 2-wheel drive ZF?

 

The 42 is rated at 420 ft lb tq
The 47 is rated at 470 ft lb tq

Diesel zf 5 42

1st Gear:4.14
2nd Gear:2.37
3rd Gear:1.42
4th Gear:1.00
5th Gear:0.77
Rev Gear:3.79

Diesel zf 5 47

1st gear:5.08
2nd Gear:2.60
3rd Gear:1.53
4th Gear:1.00
5th Gear:0.77
Rev Gear:4.66

 

Man, I like my 42 ratio's way better!

 

Does anybody know how hard it is to make a 2WD transmission work with a 4x4, if it is at all possible?

 

divorced transfercase.

 

So I would need a new transfer case? Not worth it to me.

 

IMO, based on experience with both, 4.10s, you want the 42, 3.55s, you want the 47. With 4.10s taking off in 2nd with the 42 is no sweat, with 3.55s, it only works in certain situations, or if you like to burn the clutch.

 

I gotta agree with that. When I had 4.10s 2nd was no biggie all day long but after switching to 3.55s I can start in 2nd easy when the clutch is cold but for some reason after it warms up it's not such a good idea. And reverse is pretty dang quick too. Looks like id like the 47 much better.

 

My 42 is in great shape and it's a 4x4. If I get the 47 you'll be first on the list.

 

Hey, thanks, man. I really appreciate it!

 

No, I think they made one transmission. For the two-wheel drive units, they added a tailshaft. For the 4x4 units, they left it off.

You split off the tailshaft end and then the two-wheel drive transmission should mate right up to your transfer case.

Someone who knows these transmissions better than I should be able to confirm (or deny) this.

 

I spoke with Dan at Midwest Transmission about the 42/47 at length.
A trans guy that works on them everyday says to forget the 42 and go for a 47.

I have a 42 here for a swap but gave up on the swap after talking with him till I can find a 47.

I don't recall specifics other than something like "There are a lot of good internal upgrades for the power the PSD puts out in the 47."
Good enough for me to want one.