Hello all! I've been getting my '79 F-150 running again. I've got a 302 and an NP435. I've put a 600 cfm Holley carb on it. It started and ran like crap. But I made a mistake and left the needle and seat loose in the secondaries. I fixed it and ran out of gas (sigh). But anyways, the NP435 is a terrible highway and fun transmission. I've been looking between an Zf5 and M5OD-r2. I've read online that both have their ups and downs. But my truck will be used for fun street stuff only. It wont be towing anything. Is there anyone with experience in these, and what might I get for selling an NP435? It doesn't leak, it's super strong (performed one or two clutch dumps with axle hop, lol). Just trying to get the best that a blue collar man can afford.

 

Ryanfols,

I have no knowledge of the ZF5, but will try to add my experience with the M50Dr2. I put about 145K miles on my M50Dr2 when it was in my 89 F-150. I liked it well enough that I am now putting it and the 302 out of the F-150 in my 51 F1. With that said, utilizing the hydraulic clutch system of the M50D can be a challenge. (However, it would surely fit better in a 79 than a 51). But the under dash mech is pretty bulky. An aftermaket clutch activation set up would probably take up less space !

The M50D does have long throws, but is probably much more user-friendly than your NP435. Hurst once made a shifter kit that changes the pivot point and makes the shifting more "car like". Unfortunately they don't make it any longer. A company named Cores Shifter lists a unit for around $300, but they do not show it in current production and will not respond to emails. (Probably a dead end.)

The clutch activation would be your biggest concern. (Oh yea, you have probably read about the rubber plugs in this trans that leak. No big deal, they can be replaced with metal plugs or put some goop on the original plugs.)

 

Ryanfols,

I have no knowledge of the ZF5, but will try to add my experience with the M50Dr2. I put about 145K miles on my M50Dr2 when it was in my 89 F-150. I liked it well enough that I am now putting it and the 302 out of the F-150 in my 51 F1. With that said, utilizing the hydraulic clutch system of the M50D can be a challenge. (However, it would surely fit better in a 79 than a 51). But the under dash mech is pretty bulky. An aftermaket clutch activation set up would probably take up less space !

The M50D does have long throws, but is probably much more user-friendly than your NP435. Hurst once made a shifter kit that changes the pivot point and makes the shifting more "car like". Unfortunately they don't make it any longer. A company named

 

Hey guys, this man has a valid question about transmissions, and is not getting much of a response. (Ok I chimed in as to the M50D2, but no one has offered him any info on his ZF5 Question. ) I try to offer some worthwhile info if I can help someone who is not getting much of a response. Some queries get flooded with responses and others get nothing. I cannot figure it out ???

 

Good luck finding a small block ZF5 transmission and if you do sit down when you see the price they go for used and from what I had seen posted most need a rebuild and because of the tools needed you cant do that in your garage.
I have not heard too much bad on the M5OD trans, they were used from 87> in 150 & 250 small block trucks, later years dont have a hole for the speedo, if you have a 4x4 not a big deal as the speedo goes in the transfer case. If you have a 4x2 you will need to find a 4x2 transmission. I hear they shift like a car transmission.
From what the OP posted the M5OD is the way to go for a fun cruiser transmission in a truck.

Me I wanted the granny first gear for pulling my 20' open deck car trailer. and because I was going to be driving it during the week wanted over drive so I added Advance Adapter over drive (no longer made ).
If the user wanted over drive he could get a Gear Vender over drive that bolts to the rear of his NP435 transmission, but I am guessing he dose not like the way the NP435 truck transmission shifts
Dave ----

ps yes I did look into the ZF5 for my 81 F100 and why I know what was out there.
It also did not have a low enough first gear ratio to pull the trailer without doing a rear axle gear ratio change too to work with my 300 six motor and it was getting into crazy money for all that.
$1700 to my door for the over drive unit and thing $300 for a drive shaft and I now a 8 speed transmission.