I picked up a ZF for my F350 recently and had a few questions. I have a t18 now. I understand the mounting pattern for the t-case is the same on a zf and t18 so my transfer case should bolt up correct? (Its on my list of things to do to find out what t-case i have lol)

Also has there ever been a complete article on swapping out a t18 for a ZF? I know the driveshafts will have to be leangthened and shortened but could i get a set from a truck that already had a zF? My main concern is how much of my current clutch setup will work with the new zf setup?

thanks

 

Transfer case bolt pattern should be the same.

How much of your current set up depends on what your truck is. Since you're in there, you're presumably going to put a new clutch and slave cylinder in, and I know the line is different. The only question is the master cylinder, and since you're doing everything else, you might as well get a new master cylinder while you're at it.

 

o yea ...i forgot to say what the truck was. lol Truth is i dont know what year the frame is because the truck was all redone at one point. i know the cab is a 1991 f150 but the frame is a mystery. it is a solid axle which i think means is newer than 1986 but like i said i dont know. yea those are all logical things to replace while im there. at least the slave and the clutch anyway. thanks...ttt

 

The ZF you bought is from a 4x4 truck, right?

 

whats your engine? I don't remember, but doesnt the T18 have a detachable bellhousing? if it does, you have to take that off because the ZF bolts right to the engine.

Did you get the ZF with the internal slave cylinder (lighter duty), or the one with the external slave (heavier duty)? If you have a hydraulic clutch already, that part should be pretty easy, otherwise, the ZF's dont use a mechanical linkage to my knowledge. Might be a different hose (because of the quick-connect end on the ZF), but mine was only about $45.

 

Truck is a 460. yea the t18 has a detachable bellhousing and i will remove that. Im not sure about the zf if it has the internal or external slave but i will check tommorow (its still in the back of my buddys truck) I already have a hydralic clutch setup so that should make things simpler but i dont know about the quick disconnects and what is interchangable or not. thanks for the replys kepp em coming.

 

if the end on the tranny side is the same, great! Make sure (you probably did already but......) that the ZF you got is for the 460 and not the small block version

 

The zf is from a 460 that was the first thing i asked. It does have the external slave cylinder and clutch fork assembly. I like the fact that the slave is outside the bellhousing for easy replaceing purposes lol. Does this mean i ahve to get a new master cylinder with the line that goes to the zf external or is there a way to adapt the current line that i have coming from the master? Also...as far as the linkages for the transfer case to engage 4wd...what if anything has to be modified on that?

 

You may be able to reuse the existing master cylinder if the hydraulic line will attach to it. If not, a new one went for $40 or $50 the last time I bought one. As far as the transfer case linkage you will have to see if your shifter will bolt onto the trans and whether the rod going to the transfer case is long/short enough. If the t.c. shifter doesn't bolt on you may be able to get a different mounting plate from Ford. If the t.c. shifter bolts on, you can always lengthen/shorten the linkage rod if it doesn't fit.

As for the driveshafts, you may be able to find some that fit if you comb the junkyards. You need to know what you are looking for since they are rarely in the vehicle. Measure the transmission that you have in the truck from the front of the bellhousing to the rear of the transmission output shaft housing. Measure the ZF the same way and figure out the difference in length. If the ZF is longer you need to shorten the rear driveshaft and lengthen the front according to that difference in length. Knowing the length of the driveshafts you need will aid you in the junkyard search since they typically have a rack of shafts and let you pick through them. My driveshaft guy says you want to stay within 1/2" of the correct length. Watch out for damage on the junkyard shafts.

 

Yea i guess its going to be one of those things that i wont know untill i start doing it. I need to figure out what t case i have just for reference. Its not a 205 because its an alumiunum case...any logical ideas of what it could be or how i can find out? There must be a number on it right? wow that sounds like a real noob question. lol

 

Nighthawk285 just completed a ZF swap in January and he had a machine shop extend his drive line. I think it was around 50 bucks...

 

It should be the Borg-Warner 1356 with that 460 in front of it. Yes there should be a small aluminum tag on one of the bolts on the case that has all of the Ford numbers on it.

In reference to my driveline, I had to have the rear shaft shortened an inch, and I picked up a front one from the local salvage yard. Definetly if you go the junkyard route, make sure the ends (yokes) are good, theres no dents, and the balance weights are still attached, otherwise you'll have a hell of a vibration.

As far as the linkage to the transmission goes, mine bolted right back up, but I had to cut the floor pan about 1 1/2" back to make room for it to get into 2HI.

 

That works fine if you are a 2wd and need to lenghten your driveshaft. When you have a 4wd like BBF - 350 and a shaft needs to be shortened it doesn't work so well.

As for the identity of the transfer case, if it hasn't been messed with, there should be a tag attached to a bolt on the transfer case. Also look for numbers on the case itself. Post the numbers and someone here should be able make an to i.d. If there is no tag, maybe the grainy pictures on this link will help: http://www.venturesparts.com/ford_transfer_cases.htm

 

My bad! His is a 4X4 and it was shortened.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys this site is great. Nighthawk 85, What tranny did you have before the zf, t18? My 4x4 shifter assembly seems to be attached to the transfer case with a singe large bolt. Is this accomodated on the zf? I am at work and dont have either the trans or truck right in front of me so im going from memory. thanks