Has anyone swapped a ZF 5 speed into a 73-79 F series 2wd? What did you do for a speedometer?

 

ZF's used in 88-91 2WD trucks have a cable speedometer drive...

 

That's great news, thanks for the info. Now, here's hoping the one I just bought on EBay is of that vintage.

 

Usually you want to ask the questions before you buy the parts.

What motor does your truck have in it?

 

If I would have known beforehand that some ZFs had speedometer drives I certainly would have asked. This site is a wealth of information, that what makes it great.

My truck is a 400.

 

I hope you bought a ZF that was behind a 460.

 

Yes, it has the proper bellhousing bolt pattern.

 

I'm guessing the answer is "no", but does anyone know a way to get around the electronic speed sender in the newer ZF's? I'm interested in a small block one, which already constrains the supply without having to find those particular years.

 

The only vehicle I worked on that had an electronic speedo, had a sending unit that plugged into the same hole the cable would have. Is the design of your ZF different in that the hole has changed? I would have thought you could just remove the electric speed sender and plug in a cable.

 

That's the $64 question - haven't picked one up yet so I don't know. I originally assumed it would just be an electronic unit plugged into the hole where the cable is, but then I got to thinking about how they might have to put an electronic pulse reader in a different location than a gear-driven cable.

 

The 92-up trucks had the VSS mounted on the rear end housing, so there would not be anything in the transmission. I do not know if there is still a provision for a cable and gear at the back of the transmission or not. I think the safe assumption is no. An 88-91 transmission will have one for sure (as long as it's a 2WD transmission).

 

Will the ZF from a 460 fit 390?

 

I believe 385 series (460) had a different bolt pattern than the FE series...you could use a 60's era merc-o-matic though!

(the merc o matic is cool, because it's an automatic that you can kickstart by shifiting from N to D!)

 

cjstang32,

I am wanting to do the same thing in my truck. 77model with 351M. Can't get over how much overdrive units are. What did you pay for this? I have a 4spd and wondering if the clutch that is in there I can keep. Previous owner put it and I like it alot.

 

Would a ZF bolt to a bell housing for a FE motor? I would like to put a 5spd in the 73 highboy that I am working on.