Hi all,

1993 F350 7.5L 460 ZF5

So I have a couple questions about the ZF5 and this truck...this is the first truck I've ever had as well as the first manual transmission vehicle I've ever had. Before the truck the only manual I ever drove was a mini cooper haha. Needless to say this is an entirely different animal. I'm wondering if anyone has any general advice for shifting like butter or if it just isn't possible. Im 99% sure I don't have a transmission issue and that what I experience is my lack of experience. I don't have any slipping, grinding, whining, difficulty shifting or anything like that. I think I just suck at shifting. I get some lurching and bucking specifically going from 2nd to 3rd. Sometimes I hit it just right and it shifts super smooth. All the other gears I can shift into without a hiccup.

So what's your guys' preference? Do you shift fast or slow? Give it some gas while your still on the clutch?

My other question is about this sticker on my visor:


Is this saying that the best way to park is leaving the truck in reverse? I've always left it neutral.

Anyways, I know these are probably silly questions to you guys. What can I say. I'm just a millennial.

Thanks.

 

All the sticker is telling you is to not leave the transfer case in neutral. Zf-5's aren't a smooth transmission, it soulds like you just need some practice. I've been driving mine for almost 3 years, and I still can't shift perfectly everytime. I think the biggest issue is leaf spring wrap, but that's beside the point. Just practice being smooth with the clutch and make sure you rev match on decel. Also, they don't like shifting fast. You can do it, but they don't like it. Mine has a fresh rebuild and it'll grimd third almost every time I pretend my truck is a race car. Also, a short throw shifter will do you wonders. I used to have to fully extend my arm and come up off of the back rest to put mine in fifth. No it just feels like a normal car, super notchy though. Much better feel

 

Look up double clutching. You will probably get better at it the more you drive the truck and get used to it so that wouldn’t be necessary.

Yes that is what it is saying. You should never leave a manual transmission in neutral when parked. That’s bad technique. The gearing in reverse is lower than the other gears so you should leave it in gear to prevent the truck from rolling away if the parking brake fails. The truck would have to overcome the compression in the engine to roll.

 

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. I'll be leaving it reverse now for sure.