Please send me an email to Sous04S4@yahoo.com I am looking for a good ZF6 mechanic in our neck of the woods.

Thread reference is below...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-as-well.html

 

Sous I sent him text to look at forum for you.

 

I just read through that fast, but my most likely suspect is failed pilot bearing and cheap clutch parts.

The factory-style pilot bearing is a really poor design and I've seen total failures in under 10k miles. Especially if input shaft was damaged due to previously failed pilot bearing.

I only use Southbend clutches. Not sure why 'reputable mechanic' wouldn't like their parts. ... But, their Kevlar pilot bushing is not a good bandaid - especially if input shaft is damaged. I have a friend mill pilot bushings out of oil impregnated bronze and we cut them the full depth of the flywheel for MAX support. I've put a couple of these in trucks with damaged input shafts instead of rebuilding trans (shifted good, etc).

If we pull trans and find a FUBAR input shaft, you're looking at trans rebuild ($2100 with shipping - I've been using All Star Standard Transmission in Tampa, FL).

Southbend recommends Con OFE clutch (one side is ceramic and other side is semi-metallic) for our application - up to 450hp tow rig. Mine lasted 125k miles at almost 400hp towing a full 50% of the time and BEATING it hard for dozens of passes at the drag strip and pulling the sled several times. Even though the friction material was all but gone, TO bearing failed

 

I have a shop in Hiawassee now and we can work on this here if you want.

I'll be free in a week or so when I finish this build. 600hp ZF6 4wd F550 with basically new EVERYTHING.

 

I agree with this 100% I used a bronze pilot bearing from Oreilly or autozone. The ID and OD were the same but it was deeper allowing more of the input shaft to ride in the bearing. My input shaft only had a little damage on the end of it and most of what is in the bearing is good. I do keep the clutch out sitting at all stop lights just to minimize the amount of time the bearing is being used. I am unsure of the part number that I used but it was for an older Ford truck and fit a wide range of years. Just look one up and compare the given dimensions.


That was my next step if mine was any worse. Nice to see someone running a competent shop these days.
.

 

Thanks for the help, I see he posted below. I will now try to get some contact information from him or to him and pick arrange for it to be worked on.

 

I LOVE these SB dual disc street clutches. They are smooooooth with super positive engagement. Rated for up to 650hp. My junk doesn't make that much power, but I may get one anyway...

 

It would be an honor to have you take a look at our truck for us and take care of whatever needed to be done. We are looking to full time RV with the truck in a couple/few years and I could barely move the trailer backing it up our driveway which has maybe a 3* incline.

Please call or text me at (REMOVED PHONE NUMBER) and we can talk for a moment about where your shop is and when I can bring it in next week. I will go pick up the truck from the shop it is in now in the morning as I already feel better about it being under your control. We are willing to do whatever it takes to get this right, even if you think it requires a new transmission. (hope not, but it is what it is)

If you prefer to email your details, or the shops details, feel free to email something to Sous04S4@yahoo.com

Thanks again, I hope to hear from you soon.

UPDATE: Jason and I have been in touch. Bringing the truck back home first thing in the morning and talking to Jason about when to work my truck into his busy schedule.

 

How's that for soon!!!

Look forward to helping you get this problem SOLVED.

 

I fricken love this forum! This is all awesome news! Hats off to you Jason for stepping up like this!

Sous, it sounds like you may have had a narrow escape there? At least when Jason has worked on it, you can tow with full confidence in your transmission!

 

I agree with both of those thoughts.

Reps sent to Jason and we are looking forward to meeting up with him in the near future.

There is no other place on the internet like the FTE.

 

Two shops by me are no longer installing SB due to warranty handling. They are now recommending LuK.