OK before anyone jumps on me. I've looked on Google and used the search but I'm using internet brand app and searching for anything ends up in all kinds of random stuff.
I've got a 95 with a 5 speed and I just got a zf out of a 1990 f250 5.8 got the transmission cross member and front drive shaft just in case. Everywhere I've looked says its a direct swap but doesn't say anything about drive shafts. The transmission is still in the f250 and in a place that I can't easily measure the transmission. The question is will I have to change drive shafts or is it really a direct swap

 

Not be a wise guy but you've got all the parts available to eyeball yourself.

Since the driveshafts come out of the TC, unless the ZF is more than an inch different in length, you are probably good.

The TC adapter would be the only other question I would think.

 

No offense taken. What it is I can't get to the f250 for another week or two to take measurements.
I'm just hoping that someone that has done the swap can basically give me the answer.
Not to sound to pushy or lazy but I've been kinda excited since this morning when I found out I got the transmission for free. I'm hoping that I can just swap it in and go but things are hardly ever that easy.

 

Good news, the ZF and the M5OD are roughly the same length 29 3/8 inches from bellhousing to the t-case. Splines should be the same so it should be a direct bolt-in. I used the ZF from a '92 F250 in my '91 Silver Aniversary Bronco. NP205 t-case requires new crossmember and driveshafts.

 

Pickup swap, note comments regarding wiring harness. U joint and two piece rear driveshaft probably aren't a worry.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-zf-swap.html

 

Unless you plan on towing heavy or need a really low 1st gear I would rather have the m5 as it is a true 5 speed and the gear spacing is a lot better.

 

Fourxford did you make a cross member or did a stock one from another truck work? I too have a np205 transfer case that I would like to use later I rebuilt it last year and I'd hate to see it go to waist.

 

I have yet to build it but will need something different because the front output will hit crossmember. You'll need to cut the notch for the shift rail on the ZF trans. Use a gasket as the pattern and a die grinder. I started the notch with a 1" hole saw.

 

Years ago I swapped a m5od and a np205 into a 86 bronco. It originally had a 4 speed but the transfer case went out. I didn't have the money or time to find a transfer case and I already had the 5 speed and the np205. I did some measuring and a m5od mated with a np205 was almost the same length as a np435 mated with a np208.
I didn't change the cross member I just moved it back 3 inches. The rear drive shaft from the 4 speed setup worked fine but the front drive shaft was to short.
I never got the 4wd hooked up drove it for 7 months as a 2wd then I got another np208 but the 4 speed back it.
I did bolt the the front drive shaft to the np205 and held it up to line it up with the front diff. It would have worked If the transmission mount was an inch taller but that bronco stock height.