I've been working on this, on and off, for a while now. I've got the pedals in, new single-mass conversion flywheel, clutch, master/slave cylinders. I even have the ZF5 attached to the engine...

So, clearly I can't use the E4OD crossmember as the ZF5 is a good 6-8 inches shorter. As the crossmember for the 5speed moves forward between the frame rails it moves to a point where the rails start sloping upwards (and inwards, too?). I've got factory Ford service manuals for my truck and they show a different crossmember for the F350 and F250 4x4's with the ZF5.

Problem is, I can't find any F350 4x4 ZF5 trucks in any junkyards. I've pulled a crossmember from a F250 with a 5speed but the slots for the adapter (rubber mount) between the transmission and the crossmember are a little too far back. Also, it seems like the transmission will be sitting way too high with that adapter in there - I'm not even sure the transfer case will fit under there as it looks to be too close to the floorpan.

I've cut some holes in the F250 crossmember and it looks like I can get the trans to attach directly to the crossmember but the bolts heads are (just/almost) interfering with the front edge of the crossmember, and, it looks like it may be sitting too low without some kind of spacer in there, maybe ~ 1" vs 3" on the adapter from the E4OD.

I guess the question is, can I use the F250 4x4 crossmember in my F350 IDI??, and what do I have to do to make it work. I think the main difference is the back of the IDI motor sits a little forward of motors in F250s with ZF5s ??

I've read all the F Series trucks have the same frames but I'm finding there are some things unique to the 350 IDI 4x4s.

For the record, the E4OD crossmember for my F350 IDI is L-shaped, attaching directly to the frame on the right with a gusset on the LEFT. The F250 crossmember I got from a junkyard is straight, with gussets on BOTH sides. My manual shows the F350 4x4, ZF5 crossmember as L-shaped, with one gusset on the RIGHT. I tried just turning my E4OD crossmember around - there are holes that match up, but it is too long, and the gusset doesn't fit either. I think I could make it work if I cut off about ? 1.5 inches, and use one of the gussets from the 250... But I want to be able to put the auto back in if I can't get this working.

All comments appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I am about to take out my ZF5 and put in a C6. If you still have your crossmember, I have mine, let's swap if you are interested. Text me at 386-341-3126 if interested.

 

I used a c6 crossmember all I had to do was lengthen the slots a bit. It wasn't a big deal for me since I have a mill. Was even able to use the drive shafts there's about 3/8 of an inch difference between a c6 and a zf5.