So, I have a '94 F150 with a 4.9L and its on its second M50D trans. 3.08 rear end. Truck is 2wd. Bought a parts truck with a good 351 that im going to rebuild and it alread has a fresh rebuilt 3.55 rear end that ill put in also. Unfortunately it has an e40d so ill have to buy a zf off craigslist.

As far as I can tell, even a close to stock 351 is going to make short time of an M50D trans. I can get a 2wd ZF for about $300 but the 2 things I'm wondering about are will I need a crossmember from a ZF truck? And what about the driveshaft? The ZF looks like its shorter than the M5.

I would just grab a d/s from a 2wd ZF F250 but ive never seen an ex cab short bed F250 which is the body my truck has, unless a reg cab long bed d/s should be the same?

 

The ZF is shorter and also is going to have a flange on the back of it, not a slip-yoke like your Mazda does. I think the crossmembers are the same, tho.

They did have SWB SC F250s in the later years, like 94-97, but finding one that also has a ZF in it is going to be tough.

 

you'll need to get a zf 2wd drive shaft in the right drive length or you'll need to get one with the right connections and have it's length changed at a welding shop.

cross members are the same... it's a bolt in swap except for the driveshaft.

 

Thanks for the info!

I suppose I can just keep looking at local yards when new stuff comes in since there's about 3 yards within 25 mins of me. Ill be building the motor over the winter so ive got time.

 

You won't be able to just grab a driveshaft from an F250 either, since the axle is different, the rear half will be too short for the 8.8 axle in the F150. From the driveshaft carrier bearing forward will be the same F150 to 250, so you can get one and have the rear half re-tubed and lengthened 3".

 

nice find on the zf! dang good price.