Hey can i swap the zf transmission out of my 95 f350 with an 89 zf transmission. I'm wondering if the transmissions will have the same dimensions and what not and if it's as easy as dropping one and bolting the other up. I'm assuming that the 89 would have a torque rating of 420f/lbs and the 95 would have 470f/lbs. My 3rd gear syncro has worn out and i'd rather not have it rebuilt when i can get the 89 for $200. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Which engines are in the trucks? ZF's have integral bells, so the bell pattern has to be the same.

 

^^^^^ What he says. Also they both have to be 4x4 or both have to be 4x2.

 

Slight correction, F-superduty or F-450 ZF are 4x4 transmissions in a 4x2 truck. But instead of a transfer case, they have the driveline parking brake.

So for a 4x4 truck, get a 4x4 trans or a F-450 ZF.

Also to clarify, there are 3 bellhousing patterns, small block, big block and diesel. The big block and diesel are close, but not compatible. Some people have modified one to fit the other, but it only goes one way, requires drilling, and I don't remember which, but its not a direct swap.

 

Hey sorry yeah both trucks have a 351 and both are 4x4

 

Then can`t think of any reason why it would not be a direct bolt-in swap.

 

alright sounds good, thanks for the input

 

Cool. :)

...and the fact the two trucks use a different clutch doesn't
matter because the slave makes up the difference? :)

Alvin in AZ

 

Good point, OP needs to eyeball this and install a clutch etc that will work if there is any difference between the two.

 

I assumed that since the engines and transmissions are nearly the same that it would be an easy swap but what's this about the slave and clutch not being compatible?

 

Year to year changes are not your friend. Checking NAPA, (only because it's easy) I find a "clutch release bearing" number N4119 for a 1995 F350 with 5 speed MT, and N4061 for a 1989 F250 with same trans.

What's the difference? They look different in the picture--one longer than the other. But who knows if that's the right picture?

So, you need to look at the parts you take out and put it together with an eye for proper dimensions on those parts. It may be as simple as using all the '89 clutch parts. Or you might have to mix and match, with a '95 pressure plate but an '89 disc.

 

The master cylinder piston diameter changed sometime around '93. Newer slave cylinders will not work with older master cylinders and vice versa. I think Ford may have also changed the bolt pattern for mounting the slave cylinder to the firewall around the same time, preventing swapping the older master cylinder. I would put in a new slave cylinder regardless, while the transmission is out and the slave is easy to get to. I do not know if Ford changed the bolt pattern where the slave gets bolted to the transmission - someone would have to double check on that. The clutch itself probably changed very little between 89 and 95.

 

this $200 deal isn't looking so great after all, it's probably more cost efficient to go to a junk yard and find a 95 zf

 

[quote=tecgod13;10515839]Slight correction, F-superduty or F-450 ZF are 4x4 transmissions in a 4x2 truck. But instead of a transfer case, they have the driveline parking brake.

So for a 4x4 truck, get a 4x4 trans or a F-450 ZF.

So wouild a t-case fit where the brake assembly is without any other work?
Don't mean to Hijack the thread but got a guy with one of the brake equipped ZFs waiting for my reply to buy or not, I want to use it in a 4 wheel drive. Thanks to you knowledgeable Ford guys in advance. Been a Ford guy all my life but never involved with heavy rigs.

 

The 4x4 and the F-superduty transmission are the same at the rear, so a transfercase will bolt on in place of the parking brake assembly without any modification.