Hello, the other day I was underneath my 1988 F350 with the 460 and ZF 5speed. I grabbed the clutch arm and noticed there was no freeplay with the throwout bearing. Seems like the bearing will spin constantly. Is that a normal?

 

I'm not super familiar with ZF-5's. Is it an external slave cylinder?
I have an M5ODR2, but in reading about my transmission, I found that Ford did use a "constant run" bearing through '86 on some transmissions.
Someone who knows more will have to chime in.

 

Yes, it is the external slave style. It works just fine, shifts great, no problems. I just noticed that the throwout bearing rides the clutch fingers whereas the mechanical style doesn't. Do you like the M50DR2, I've been contemplating adding one behind my 351C in my 80 supercab.

 

The M5ODR2 is ok. I use it for dump runs, etc. First and reverse are high compared to other transmissions. That makes parking space maneuvers difficult.
I haven't backed up a trailer with my truck yet but I imagine I'll use low range when I do.
I'm not going to swap for a ZF 5 but I'd prefer a lower first gear.
If I were towing near max weight, I imagine it would be difficult slow maneuvering.

 

It's pretty common to keep the bearing in contact with the fingers. As it's a modern, lubricated bearing it doesn't mind.

As to the M5od vs the ZF5, the M5 is well suited to daily driving, with a 1st gear ratio that works well in traffic and at lights when you're not heavily loaded.
The ZF5 gearing FOR THE GAS MOTOR is really a heavy truck transmission, with a 1st gear ratio that is chosen to start the truck with a heavy load.
2nd is too tall for comfortable starts without slipping the clutch excessively (especially on a grade) and then the jump to 3rd is huge.

Since I use both for both purposes, I'd never have an M5 in a 2wd truck. Soup Bean's right- 1st is too high if you are trying to maneuver with a trailer,
pull a trailer up a grade, back it into a barn, and so forth. A 2wd ZF5 would be fine- but it's also awkward in urban environments, whereas the M5's just fine.

I'd love to stick diesel zf5 gears into a gas case and try them- they pretty much split the difference between the gas ZF and the M5.

t

 

I have started in 2nd gear when not towing for the last 50k+ miles in my OBS. I can let the clutch out and there is no slipping unless you have an underpowered engine in your truck. 1st gear is ridiculously low and I ONLY use it when towing. The ZF5 is superior to the M5OD and can handle more power.

 

It is normal for hydraulic clutch bearings to be in contact with the plate fingers and no free play.
Dave ----

 

Much obliged for all the replies, I'm going to stop worrying about the finger clearance and just drive it!

 

yup, you guys have 460s. The 351, less so. I forget I'm so... smalll... sometimes.

t
wants to eventually make it to about 408...

 

If it make you feel better I got 51 less than you with a 300 / 4.9 six.
I am happy with it and dont plan on making it bigger.
It's not the size, it's how you use it
Dave ----

 

....but having to use it for so loooooonnnnnnggggg to get up Vantage with the car behind it gets oooollllllddddd after a while...

t