Zf5 swap

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Aug 16, 2018 | 09:13 PM

Jzisakis

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Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 14

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Zf5 swap

I have my eyes on a 1987 2wd zf5 transmission that was mounted to 6.9 idi. I want to swap it into my 1984 2wd t18 6.9idi. Trans will get rebuilt and converted to SMF before the install. From what I understand The only difference is the 1987 floor pan is taller and the 1987 transmission crossmember is farther back. I'm 19 (bought the truck at 17) and this is my first and last truck. Everything is getting done right.

Questions-
what smf conversion is best?
can I just redrill the frame and use my t18 crossmember?
am I missing anything?

Aug 17, 2018 | 05:37 AM

tecgod13

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Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 3,739

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From: Western Mass

Use the LUK smf, it has a great pedal feel and is high quality. I much prefer it over the Southbend that was installed in my '93 by a previous owner.
Redrilling the frame is fine, but I'm not sure what the t18 crossmember is like in comparison to a zf5 crossmember.

Congrats on your first truck, I guarantee it won't be your last, but great spirit!

Aug 17, 2018 | 08:33 AM

Chevy_Eater

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Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 4,221

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You should get the cross-member for the ZF, it'll make life much easier.
Skip down to post #33:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t-truck-3.html

There is another recent thread from another forum member that did the swap and modified his T19 cross-member to work, but it required cutting and fabricating. You can search fro the thread if you're interested in that route.