Is it even remotely possible to exchange my ZF-5 for a ZF-6 transmission cheaply? I find that having a 6th gear would be a very welcomed addition on the highway, then again, I shouldn't be complaining. Thanks for any insight!!

 

It sounds like a good idea, as far as if it bolts right up......i don't know, I am sure the T-case (if 4x4) would have a different spline/bolting pattern.

I also wanted to do this, but after some research, I found the ZF-6 transmission has an INTERNAL slave cylinder! To convert your current setup might be a real headache, not to mention, It is my opinion that this setup is a flawed design. (who wants to completely drop their tranny just to change the slave cylinder if it goes bad??? I don't, it sounds expensive and or very time consuming.)

I have converted from a E40D to a ZF-5 speed on my truck, but that was apples to apples. I don't know if the current ZF-6 bellhousing bolt pattern is the same as the
ZF-5 speed. I do know the crossmember and tranny leingth are totally different.

Check into a Gear Venders overdrive, unless you already have a ZF-6 speed sitting there, the cost would end up being about the same as to convert transmissions,
and it probabily has a higher OD anyways.

Just my $0.02 worth.........

 

Check out:

http://www.zf-group.com/am/pc/lt/ampclt03.phtml


Transfer Case won't fit, the ZF6 if a stronger, larger tranny with a bigger output shaft.

I looked at this a while back for my 93 and decided that it would not be worth the switch from my ZF5.

Note, the ZF6 gives you an extra gear in the middle compared to the ZF5, there is little to no increase in the total OD ratio.

 

The ZF 6 will bolt up to the engine.
The transfer case from the ZF 6 equipped truck must be used with the ZF 6 tranny.
There is no speedometer drive provisions on either the transmission or transfer case though.

By the time the ZF 6 was offered, the speedometer was driven off the rear axle.

 

Hey F350john i have a '94 f350 4wd crew 7.3 turbo diesel with a worn out e4od and want to swap and do a manual conversion, what all is involved, what about the sending unit in the trans?
Will I lose the cruise control? thanks, nice trucks you have!

 

The 94 VSS (vehicle speed sensor) is located in the rear axle.

M14, you almost need a donor truck to make it cost effective.

 

M14, to my knowledge, the cruise is just a servo that holds open the throttle down, although i could be wrong i don't think it has much if anything to do with the trans...could be wrong though

 

The cruise has nothing to do with the tranny.

I have an in depth article on here somewhere, from when I responded to another guy a few months ago who wanted to do the same. I will look for it and try to get you a link.

I was lucky, I was able to do my entire conversion for about $800.00-$900.00 bucks (not counting all the gas I used to run around Colorado to find the right parts!!!)
It can seriously cost between $500.00-$1500.00 (Yes, that broad of a price range)
to do this conversion depending on luck and parts avalibility.

The good:

On my 460V8 I seriously got about 4-5mpg better fuel mileage. It may vary.
The control of shifting your own gears.
WAY less servicing costs to maintain, less prone to leaks.
And a few other things I can't remember now (its 4:30am here, Its been a long day.)

The bad:

LOTS of nickle and dime stuff. Its really best to have a complete doner truck.
I agree with you Dave Sponaugle.
All the little details can consume the average guy.
The drive shafts both have to be modified (when its a 4x4) unless your lucky enough to have the EXACT SAME style of truck (crew cab to crew cab exc....)
as your doner truck.
The crossmember is different, and requires drilling the thick frame.
You will NO LONGER have a neutral safety switch. (So remember to put the clutch pedal to the floor every time before starting the engine!!! Don't want to hit anything.)
Not as high of a over drive in 5th gear as the old E40D had, not too bad, just somewhat annoying at upper highway speeds, like 70 and up.
It DOES NOT require a different steering column, but you need to permently tie the auto shifter levers internal components into "park" so the engine will start.
Did I mention all of the little things???

So yeah its a pain, but worth it if you do it yourself, and get the parts easily and cheapily enough.

 

Thanks for the nice complement, most people on here think they are total junk, but to me, they are my babies!
Thanks M14-slamfire.

 

Well looks like I have some reading to do. The Pheonix tranny guys called me today, I told them I was in the process of researcing them, and I would get back to them. Thanks for all the advise, I need it!

 

Wow I found a nearly complete 89 f350 crew cab 4wd w/ a 5 speed right here in the clasifieds today as a doner. It's $1500 and 1700 miles away. has a banks turbo too. My wife keeps telling me no, man there are alot of good parts on that truck.

 

Where is this truck compaired to your location? That sounds like a heck of a drive.
Maybe you should wait and see, because it always works out that when you buy one across the country, one will pop up just down the block from you!

 

If I recall correctly the ratios in the ZF5 and ZF6 speed are the same - just the 6 speed has a crawler gear...

 

ZF S 5 - 42
Max Torque 600nm 580nm
433 Ft Lbs 419 Ft Lbs
1 4.65 5.72
2 2.60 2.94
3 1.53 1.61
4 1.00 1.00
5 .77 .76
R 4.35 5.24

ZF S 5 - 47
Torque 640nm or 462 Ft Lbs
1 5.72 5.08 4.14
2 2.94 2.61 2.37
3 1.61 1.53 1.42
4 1.00 1.00 1.00
5 .76 .77 .77
R 5.24 4.66 3.79

ZF S6 - 650
Max Torque 720 nm or 520 Ft Lbs
1 5.79
2 3.30
3 2.10
4 1.31
5 1.00
6 .72
R 5.23

ZF S6 - 750
Max Torque 560 Ft Lbs
Same gears as the 650

Straight from the ZF website.
4 Different gear ratios were available in the ZF 5
Overdrive in the ZF 6 matches the overdrive in the E4OD.

The columns are messed up when I post them though.

 

I agree. I'm not sure how many of the ratios would be repeated, but you would have the ability of 10 forward gears. The only drawback is not being able to use it in 4wd. With the hubs unlocked, you could use it as 2wd Low, if you wanted.

Jason