Thanks to everyone for their help. I finally completed the T-18 to ZF swap. Thanks for the help answering questions regarding the blips along the way. I was able to search the site before I started and reduce the number of gotcha's to a few. I don't know why Ford didn't make the ZF I6 combination to begin with.

Slowsix 1988 F150 LB Std cab
ZF - what a sweet tranny
I6
2wd
3.55

 

Why don't you write a blurb for the archives/articles telling of the trials and tribulations of the swap.

Include pics if handy.

Larry

'87 F-150, ALL original, I-6, T-18, 3.55

 

Better yet, Tell us how that ZF works behind the 300/6.

 

I'll see if I can put together something for the archives on the swap. Mine is a 2wd and it seems like the swap is usually done by 4X4's.

I cannot believe this was not a combination done by the factory. I do not want to start any arguments but, putting this transmission behind the I6 just makes sense. The T18 used gear oil and is a bulletprrof drivetrain. The ZF uses Mercon. By not having as much drag on the engine from the tranmission has just transformed the truck. With the T18 anything above 3000 RPM it sounded like the engine was coming apart and the transmission would just howl. I only have about 100 miles on the ZF but I can wind the I6 to 3500 RPM without any strain on the engine (it feels like it wil go to 5000) and it winds up QUICK.

On the highway the T18 was at 3000 at 65 MPH. Anything over this was unbearable. The ZF is at 2200 RPM at 65 and 2800 at 75 MPH. The only time I need 5th is on the highway. Anything around town I only need 4th. I can accelerate up hills in 5th and the I6 will pull because it is in the fat of torque band.

Using the internal slave makes the clutch much easier and the shifting is almost like a sports car compared to the T18. Sitting in traffic is not a chore. The granny gear is a little lower (I think the T18 was 6.??:1 and the ZF is 5.??:1), but it is still a compound low.

The truck is used for everything from hauling dirt, sod, other loads to highway use in travelling across the state. The ZF is an all purpose tranny.

The T18 is a great tranny and has a purpose. I needed the OD for long trips around the state. I would do this conversion agains in an instant (almost said heartbeat).

Slowsix
1988 I6 ZF 2wd 3.55 std cab lwb

 

This is the tranny I want!
How much $ did the ZF set you back? How tough was it to find one?
I've been looking around here in MD, but they seem real rare.
Also, do you know which T-case will bolt up behind it? Looking forward to your piece on the swap experience.

 

Mine is a 2wd so I do not know about the T-case that will fit but from reading past posts and speaking with others it seems that most T-cases will fit. A hint for the cross member for a 4x4 is to look for a cross member from a 2wd auto (yes I said 2wd automatic). This cross member has the gusset on one side but goes up around the frame on the other side (kind of like a big J). Wish I would have known before I did mine.

The ZF is hard to find and I went with a rebuilt because 1) I could not find any (2wd are hard to find in CO) and 2) I only want to put this big puppy in once (12 month unlimited mileage warranty). If you want I can e mail you the information on the company I used. The cost was about $1500 (cough, cough) + core charge (because they did not want my T18). I hope to sell the T18 later to recoup some of the costs.

Since I am planning on keeping this truck for a long time and probably passing it down to my sons (they will learn to drive on a truck), the overall cost of the swap once you calculate the reduced strain on the engine (I6 should run forever anyway)and gas mileage made it worth it.

It probably would not be worth it if you will be getting rid of the truck in the next few years.

Slowsix