some good questions i need answered. i got a 460 engine and i want to put a ZF 5 transmission behind it. this combo will be going in my 71 4x4 f250 crew cab. my questions are which type of zf trans should i look for? what all engines have the same bolt pattern as the 460? will a 7.3 diesel zf trans work? whats the difference between a 2wd and 4wd zf 5? also i want this to be a direct mating between the 460 and zf 5 and not have to worry about spacers, extended input shaft to engine crank bushings, or any clutch flywheel issues. so which zf trans should i look for that is a direct fit to a 460 thanks for any help on my questions

 

One from behind a 460 in a 4x4, if such an animal exists.

The bell patterns don't interchange.

The conversion from 4x2 to 4x4 requires a complete teardown, plus, of course, all the parts. So buy the right one first.

You may find going NV4500 easier--not sure.

 

I'm not wanting to change a 2wd zf to a 4wd zf I'm just wanting to know the differences between the 2 and how it will effect the installation same length different input shafts ect what is the physical differences? So the 460 is all on its own as far as the bellhousing pattern no other motor shares the same pattern?

 

The differences don't matter, just get a 4x4 trans--or you will need to divorce mount your TC. Input and bell pattern would be the same.

As for the ZF in the 460 flavor, that's the only stock offering. It will also fit 370 and 429 engines, and 351m/400s, with some work. It was never offered with those engines stock.

 

The ZF5 came in three bellhousing patterns:
Big block gas: 460
Small block gas: 351 and others? (I'm not up on gas engines sorry)
Diesel: 7.3L IDI (also will fit the 6.9L IDI and I guess the first generation of 7.3 powerstroke)

Main differences between 4x4 and 2wd version:
Rear case (4wd is longer and bolts to transfer case/parking brake assembly)
Mainshaft
2wd has an output yoke attached with a nut.

Also note that the 2wd F-superduty (pre-cursor to F-450) used a 4x4 transmission, but instead of the transfer case, the parking brake assembly bolted on the back. So a ZF5 out of a F-superduty with a 460 will bolt up to a transfer case.

 

tecgod from what you say the 460 is the only ford engine with that bellhousing pattern? does anyone know the lengths of the 2wd zf and a 4wd from bellhousing face to rear of tailshaft? my truck has a divorced transfer case in it now i was debating going to a NP205 TC or stay with mine as i'm already doing alot of work on it and don't know how much more work adding a 205 on top of that will be i'm guessing i'll need new driveshafts if i do the TC swap. unless the ZF trans is long enough to be married to a NP205 and have it in the stock location. but back to the topic any 2wd or 4wd ZF trans that was mated to a 460 will bolt up to my 460 no problem with the input or needing spacers correct?

 

Like I said, I don't know much about the gas engines in these trucks. If you google ford bellhousing patterns you'll find better answers. There are other engines with the same pattern as the 460, but the 460 was the only one that came with a ZF5 stock.

The input shaft and front case are the same 2wd vs 4x4. I think the lengths should be the same for 460 vs diesel, but not 100% sure. The rear cases would be the same any application. If it wasn't so damn cold out, I'd try and at least get those for you. Though the 2wd rear case is buried in my garage.

 

just reading and found info well worth reading
want to upgrade to a 5spd myself any input on what tranny ???
have 390/divorced with t19 any more info would love to have
thanks guys

 

check out this thread it has some links to adapt a zf to a fe in my opinion though as much hassle as it sounds t do this conversion you may be better off getting a 460 and swapping in with a zf if you really want a 5 speed https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...parts-fit.html