zf5 question
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zf5 question
So I know there is the close ratio and the wide ratio.
Which would be better forbade straight 6? I hate the huge gap on the t18, and the diesel zf5 I drive is about perfect drop in my opinion. Did they have a smallblock 4x4 with the same gears as the diesel?
Thank you!
Which would be better forbade straight 6? I hate the huge gap on the t18, and the diesel zf5 I drive is about perfect drop in my opinion. Did they have a smallblock 4x4 with the same gears as the diesel?
Thank you!
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From: Northern Arizona
The wide ratio has about the same gear spacing as the T18 that you are used to... T18/T19 came in various ratios also but that's another story. The close ratio ZF was only available in the diesel housing to the best of my knowledge. You could put a small block main case on the diesel guts but you have to get the pre load right on the input shaft bearing. The race is pressed into the main case. It is not just bolt on like a regular bellhousing but it can be done. As mentioned, a diesel ratio T19 would be a bolt in deal and put your gears closer together, but you loose the overdrive (and I am assuming that's why you are looking at ZF's in the first place).
pedant
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
Don't the diesel ZF's have a larger input shaft than the Windsor pattern ones?
10 on 1 1/4" vs 1 1/16"?
Finding a clutch might be an issue.
I'm not sure about the the pilot bearing fitting the crank flange either.
T-19's do have different first gear ratios, but it is only the 4x4 gearboxes installed behind 460's that had the super low 6.32:1 first gear.
10 on 1 1/4" vs 1 1/16"?
Finding a clutch might be an issue.
I'm not sure about the the pilot bearing fitting the crank flange either.
T-19's do have different first gear ratios, but it is only the 4x4 gearboxes installed behind 460's that had the super low 6.32:1 first gear.
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From: Northern Arizona
Okay, I found the thread I was thinking of regarding the diesel guts in a SBF main case. According to one post it has been done, but it was by a professional. Another guy posted back that the input shafts (separate piece from the main shaft) is shorter on the BBF and diesel transmissions than for the SBF case, and mentions that using the SBF input shaft requires swapping gears because the number of teeth are different. He talks about a drastic gear reduction if the main shaft gear is changed, but I don't know why one could not switch gears on the input shaft unless the shaft diameters are different as ArdWrknTrk suggested. Anyway, if you are thinking of doing it, or having it done, you will want to read this thread for starters and do a lot more homework. In the long run it might be easier to run a diesel ratio T19 and some kind of gear splitter or overdrive unit if you absolutely can't live with the wide ratio ZF gears...
Zf 5-speed help [Archive] - Cummins 4BT & Diesel Conversions Forums
Zf 5-speed help [Archive] - Cummins 4BT & Diesel Conversions Forums
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From: Northern Arizona
A lot will depend on your axle ratio. Personally I hate the close ratio with 4.10's. It's sweet with a monster load on the truck but for daily driving the start out gear is really annoying. I think I would like close ratio with 3.55's a lot better, but since I have 4.10's and a Gear Vendor overdrive I am actually looking to go the other way and put a wide ratio in my diesel so I can start out in 2nd. Also keep in mind the close ratio reverse is really high, even higher than 1st gear if that matters to you.
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I have 3.55 and a ridiculous first. Maybe 7mph top?
Second gear is an always. Plus I'm used to a zf5 in a powerstroke so I like the second if it's a rolling stop but a hill makes first gear right and its still usuable.
Second gear is an always. Plus I'm used to a zf5 in a powerstroke so I like the second if it's a rolling stop but a hill makes first gear right and its still usuable.
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Postmaster
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Wide ratio ZF with 3.55's would definitely bring the suck with 31" tires...
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From: Northern Arizona
Close ratio ZF on that set up would have a nice start out gear for daily driving but reverse might be a little squirrelly. Also no crawl gear unless it's 4x4 in which case both problems are solved with T case in low range. With tires that big do you even need a 5th gear? With 3.55's that's equivalent to a 3.06 final drive ratio if the tires were stock... or are you not running the 36" on this build? A close ratio T19 would sure be a lot easier...
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i honestly havent thought about swapping in a t19, i originally was gonna rebuild my t18 with synchros, but then found out how easy it would be to swap in the zf5. i could surely save some money ding it that way. i just dont like having three useable gears.
yes its 4x4.
and yes with 36s and 4.10 its equal to stock tires and gears. i think i have like 3.23 with the 33s on there.
reverse would be squirrely as in fast? right now i have a reverse that would pull a freight train at idle.
yes its 4x4.
and yes with 36s and 4.10 its equal to stock tires and gears. i think i have like 3.23 with the 33s on there.
reverse would be squirrely as in fast? right now i have a reverse that would pull a freight train at idle.
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From: Northern Arizona
Yes, squirrelly as in fast. 1st gear is 4.14, Reverse is 3.79. A lot of diesel guys with 3.55's complain of bad reverse manners especially if they trailer a lot. The close ratio T19 still has the bulldozer reverse that you describe. This is a useful link to look at the various ratios:
Ford Truck Manual Transmissions
In your case I think I would scratch the ZF headache and do a close ratio T19. It does not sound like you really need that overdrive gear with 3.55's and big tires. You might actually loose mpg if you go too high.
Ford Truck Manual Transmissions
In your case I think I would scratch the ZF headache and do a close ratio T19. It does not sound like you really need that overdrive gear with 3.55's and big tires. You might actually loose mpg if you go too high.
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"t's about your intended use. Winding it out, not under much of a load, wide ratio. The engine does not have to start over at a lower RPM. More of a gasser thing, as they make torque at a higher RPMs. The close ratio is for the big load rigs, where the drop in RPM may cause you to lose wheel speed. Wreckers would normally have a close ration, they'll pull loads that are heavier than they are. You can listen the 18 wheelers gearing up under load. The RPM bearly drops as they shift-shift-shift to get the 80,000 lbs a movin'"
this makes me wonder if id even notice much of a difference. i really dont like how i go from good power to a lug when going from 3rd to 4th with the t18
also isnt the smallblock zf5 only a wide ratio?
should i go with a 83 and older t19 for the highest first gear(speed wise)
this makes me wonder if id even notice much of a difference. i really dont like how i go from good power to a lug when going from 3rd to 4th with the t18
also isnt the smallblock zf5 only a wide ratio?
should i go with a 83 and older t19 for the highest first gear(speed wise)