ZF 4 speed OD?
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New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19
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From: Lakeside, Oregon
ZF 4 speed OD?
I have an F150 with a 4 speed OD (I believe it's a ZF) tranny hooked up to an I300, a fine transmission for any where other than here on the Oregon coast. I tow a travel trailer occationally, and the RPM change from 2nd to 3rd gear is alot on the curves and hills. I'd like to find another 4 speed with the gear ratios closer together. The overdrive is not an issue, as 55 is the max speed around here. Id prefer not to have a granny gear either. What are my choices? Thanks for the input
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,349
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From: Cloud USA
ZF 4 speed OD?
Instead of changing the tranny, maybe just change the rear end ratio. I have 4.10 gears and hardly every use first gear. If you truck is just 2WD I would change out the gears for something lower. It makes a big difference. Your tranny is bulletproof, just change the fluid every 15,000 miles. YOu are very lucky my friend that you have a ZF in an F150. By chance is it a Northland Addition?
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New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19
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From: Lakeside, Oregon
ZF 4 speed OD?
It is a 2wd, extended cab with a long box. The trans looks like its aluminum with a cast iron bell housing, and a long cast iron tail piece. The truck came from Montana. I bought it from a woman who's dad had passed. According to the woman, I was her Dad's "baby". It's real good shape for a 87. I expect that I will have it until the wheels fall off.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,557
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From: Concord, NC
ZF 4 speed OD?
I don't think it's a ZF. All the ZF's are 5 speeds, had integral bellhousings, and were only in '88 F150's. I think you have the same transmission as I do, a TOD or top mount overdrive. I have the same problem with the 2-3 shift bogging the motor down. What rear gear is in the truck now? I'd look for another non-overdrive 4 speed, since it doesn't see high speeds.
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New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19
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From: Lakeside, Oregon
ZF 4 speed OD?
A non OD 4 speed is what I was looking at. The truck has 3.55's. I was trying to avoid changing the gear in the dif. Can you recommend a non OD 4 speed? What is involved in changing the gears to a 4.10
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,557
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From: Concord, NC
ZF 4 speed OD?
I'm not terribly familiar with 4 speeds, but Borg Warner T18 and T19 are pretty common, and I believe New Process 435 was as well, but I don't know for sure. Those are the ones I've heard a lot about.
