Hi,

I am interested in getting an F350 4x4 and would like to know what model year the 5-speed was introduced. Was the first 5-speed a ZF S5-42?


Thanks,


Roy

 

Yes, thats the correct model number for the first 5 speed. It was introduced in either 87 or 88, im not sure

 

Thanks Blue,

I have another quick question for you about the ZF; this one is about what I'd call "shift quality."

I am familiar with the old-school 4-speeds (e.g., in my '61 and '67 IH light trucks)...the shifting was super-long-throw and more than a little vague. Know what I mean?

I also work at a place with a 2000 F250 with the 6-speed manual. I found that tranny had a pretty short throw and "tight" feel to the shifting.

How would you describe the shifting of the early ZF? More like the 2000 F250 or the '67 Travelall?

Thanks,

Roy

 

87 was the 1st year for the zf5 s42. And they are tighter feeling then the cast iron trans' but not quite as tight as the zf6

 

Thanks Brad,

How does the S47 shift compared to the S42?

When did the ZF6 come in?

Roy

 

s47 is pretty much the same trans as the s5-42, just minor upgrades. the 6 speed came in w/ the superduty in 98

 

Thanks Blue.

 

1987 first year 5 speed as a *option*, 4 speed as base.

1988 first year for base 5 speed, 4 speed droped out.

 

Thanks IDI,

It seems I'll be in the market for a crew cab with the early 5-speed. I need overdrive and don't want it to shift like my Travelall.

Roy

 

The 5 speed is tighter than the 4 speeds for sure. On my 91 i know for sure where all the gears are, on the 83 i have to assume that there is a gear in that spot and just jam it in. The zf 5 still has quite the shifter throw as do all truck transmissions.

 

The 42 shift better than the 47 IMHO. but it doesnt matter, unless you are getting a 96-97 your will be getting a 42.

99 was the 1st year for the zf6

If you travel at any speed over 50mph, you will want OD

 

OK Onus and Brad,

Long-throw is fine; I have just come to the point where I find "vague" shifting to be something to be avoided when possible. I did find the 2000 6-speed to be a very nice-shifting tranny.

Yes, overdrive for sure. Whatever I end up with will get a Cummins eventually and they, like the Navastar diesels, don't spin any too fast.

Roy