Thanks everyone for the assistance. After a minor road trip this morning, and a redirect to a second junkyard site, I finally found one. It's now at my mechanic's and I should hopefully be back on the road soon.

 

You can use either one. If you want a ZF5, you have to make sure it is a small block pattern.

 

Just to clarify this statement, I believe the distinction between whether the truck originally got the M5 or ZF5 has to do with whether it's a F-150 of F-2/3/450, yes? (150's getting the M5 and 250+'s getting the ZF5)

4x2 vs. 4x4 seems to have no bearing, as both transmissions were available in 2wd and 4wd format.

I realize there may be exceptions - just trying to get the typical configurations ironed out first, as I initially had it wrong.

 

Just to make sure...this truck is my go to the deer lease truck and just run around town. It is not the prettiest girl at the prom but, I want to make sure she is the toughest and strongest. I want better fuel economy and more pulling ability. Will the mazada trans hold up to extra power and towing? Is there a change in the transfer cases between auto and manuals? <<<<<< sorry OP.

 

A very small number of Broncos got the ZF5 (from what I've read) which is why I wrote it that way.


I personally don't have experience with the M5OD. With the ZF5, you will get a very low 1st gear. You might be starting in 2nd unless towing something very heavy. I think the tranfer cases were the same but the driveshaft lengths might be different.

 

Not a problem, my question got answered!

I can take a picture of the transfer case end of my ZF if you want to compare with what you've got, since you have the same 351w engine. I'll also try to measure it's length - I thought I read elsewhere that the length of the auto/manual transmissions were different, so you might have to change propeller shafts (is that what they're called in a truck? That's what it's called on the Miata).

 

I can take a picture of the transfer case end of my ZF if you want to compare with what you've got, since you have the same 351w engine. I'll also try to measure it's length - I thought I read elsewhere that the length of the auto/manual transmissions were different, so you might have to change propeller shafts (is that what they're called in a truck? That's what it's called on the Miata)
Thanks for the help. I called a local junk yard today to ask the price and availbility of the trans. He said he has a couple of the 2wd version but, none in 4wd. He said you had to change the transfer case also and did not have one of those either!!!! So here comes the looking portion of any project!!!!