The ol' Mazda M5OD-R2 is starting to go and is in need of rebuild/replacement. I'd like to have something a little more stout for hauling as I have a lawn business and do quite a bit of it and hear that the ZF's have the best of both worlds with granny-like 1st's and decent highway ratios.

Bolting up to a 1993 4.9L 300-6 2wd SWB. First of all...is it even an option to begin with? Do ZF's use Concentric slave cylinders? What other modifications would I be looking at? Is it worth it? I'm really just trying to explore my options here. Anyone who can give me some insight or advice into this would be considered awesome.

Thanks in Advance,
M_Jennings

 

CAN, be done, wouldn't consider it worth it though. The M5OD is a fine tranny for that setup.

 

Well the thing is i'm not just hauling mowers, sometimes I have to load a 10 x 6 x 4 full of mulch or logs as I do tree removal too. Just kinda curious as to what all the venture would entail. Thanks for your response.

 

Small block ZFs used concentric slave cylinders. You should only need a new driveshaft to swap Mazda to ZF in 2wd. The driveshaft needs some type of slip feature, because the ZF has a fixed output yoke whereas the Mazda has a slip-yoke. I think that a two-piece driveshaft is the most common way to do this, but it will most likely be a custom piece.

 

Thanks so much for the reply, Eric. That clears a few things up. I found a video swap on you tube earlier and was almost identical to what i'm trying to do so i'm glad I got a lot of answers today. Now I just need to locate a 2wd small block ZF..

 

To my thinking this becomes a might as well, as they are hard to come by. You're only going to find one in a F250HD/F350 with a 5.8. Sure you might get super lucky and find one in a yard at a reasonable cost. But chances are it will be easier/cheaper to find a complete truck. Then you have a choice, go through the hassle of putting the ZF behind your 4.9, use the entire 5.8/ZF drivetrain, or just use/fix the truck you found the ZF in. To me I'd think it likely depending on what you find that your much better off with the latter options.

With the rarity of F250HD/F350s with 5.8s to begin with, and then ones with manuals, and then ones parting out or for sale cheap. I think your odds are very low of finding a cost effective small block ZF that doesn't also need a rebuild to swap in.

Sure look for one, you might get lucky, but I suggest you just put more thought into getting a more suitable truck.

 

Alright Brute I see your point. If I can't get one after a bit calling around i'm just going to rebuild the M5. I like the truck even though it's 2wd as it is in exceptional shape (besides the tranny, obviously).

Who knows though I might get lucky.
Thanks for the reply.