Zf5 overdrive

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Jan 2, 2015 | 09:21 PM

#16

Macrobb

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If you can find/afford it, a GVOD is a really nice way to go -- you can't use it in 4x4, but when are you going over 60MPH in 4x4 anyway? You aren't even supposed to go over 35(but I'm sure we all do it anyway)!

The GVOD mounts to the back of the transfer case, and is electrically controlled with a solenoid. You just have a little switch(in my case, on my gearshift) and turn it on and off at will.
I really like it because it gives me a good 6-8 usable gears for towing; when not, you'll never use it for anything other than double-overdrive.
In double-overdrive, you're running about 1650RPM at 60MPH, and it's really nice and quiet. Note, though, that your turbo won't really do much at that RPM, so you have to downshift to get any real passing power. At 70MPH, you're good in double-over power wise.

As far as I'm concerned, for a tow-rig/daily driver, the GVOD is near indispensable. For a DD that won't tow, just go with 3.55s.

Jan 2, 2015 | 09:25 PM

#17

tristen f250

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That's a good idea and about going over 40mph or whatever it was I live up north so if I need it then it will get used but you are right

Jan 2, 2015 | 09:45 PM

#18

Macrobb

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tristen f250

That's a good idea and about going over 40mph or whatever it was I live up north so if I need it then it will get used but you are right

I just drove at 60 in 4x4(with the transfer case in 4x4 as well; otherwise it doesn't matter); it works, but I'm sure it's hard on the front transfer case and such.
Usually, though, you only need 4x4 when starting out, turning or going through really bad conditions, and can just drop the transfer case into 2x4(leaving the hubs locked in) any other time.
With the transfer case in 2x4(and the hubs locked), you can go any speed(and engage the GVOD if you want; it's only when you engage the transfer case(and put power to the front wheels) where you need to be careful about speed and /cannot/ engage the GVOD

Jan 2, 2015 | 09:45 PM

#19

tristen f250

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So anyone know of a GVOD brand that works with the zf5 or would I need to find out the model of transfer case

Jan 2, 2015 | 10:34 PM

#20

Macrobb

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tristen f250

So anyone know of a GVOD brand that works with the zf5 or would I need to find out the model of transfer case

GVOD = Gear Vendors Overdrive. GearVendors is the company that makes them.
The Overdrive unit is the same across all applications, but has different couplers for different transmissions. If you find one someone was using on a ZF-5, great! Otherwise, you might have to find the correct coupler for the application. GV sells them, but they are $$$. I've seen one guy making custom/knock-off couplers on Ebay, which might be a source as well.
Also, the driveshaft will need to be shortened to make it work.

In my case, my dad had bought mine new for another vehicle with the ZF-5, so I was able to get the entire thing and place it in my truck without hassle. I can't help you with the experimentation/modification aspect, as I've not had to do it yet.

Jan 2, 2015 | 10:43 PM

#21

tristen f250

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Well thanks for all the help I think I got all the info. I knew that gvod meant gear vendor overdrive but didn't realize that was one company so learned something new lol.

Jan 3, 2015 | 12:24 PM

#22

Ford F834

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From: Northern Arizona

The GVOD for a 4x4 needs to match the transfer case, not the transmission. Most of the ZF-5 IDI 4x4's that I have seen came with a Borg Warner 1356 transfer case. Check to be sure though, especially if your truck is not a US truck, and to make sure no one changed it etc., this should help to figure out which one you have. I agree, 4.10 gears in these trucks need double overdrive at highway speeds, or re- geared to 3.55's.

Ford Transfer Case Identification

Jan 3, 2015 | 12:45 PM

#23

tristen f250

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I'd have to look into it like I said earlier I'm not around the truck at the moment but I'll take your work for now and this truck was in the family so it's stock from factory minus the turbo. Here's just a random question to top it all off, anyone know the gear change in the transfer case for 4 low?