SMF ZF question
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 375
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From: Beaumont Tx
Actually I'm lucky with my truck as it already had a SMF flywheel in it. I'm just fixing some problems that have cropped up other wise I wouldn't even be changing the flywheel. I have an intermittent shudder like the flywheel has high spots in it. I figure a new flywheel and upgrading to the 12 inch clutch will make most of problems go away. I'm going to stick with the four speed for about a year then depending on funds, how the truck is running, and my mood I'll either pop in a ZF or I might get lucky and stumble across a 6 speed to put in the truck.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Originally Posted by CheaperJeeper
Well, I got it installed to the point where it is sitting on the tranny mount, on the crossmember on Saturday. Took the family to a Mariner's game yesterday (little league night at Safeco field) so I haven't made any more progress since then. I did get the slave cylinder installed too. Everything looks really good - TOB fork is where it should be etc. I'm confident at this point that it is all gonna' work out A-O-K.
Unfortunately I'm traveling on business this week and won't get a chance to finish up the job until next Saturday
Unfortunately I'm traveling on business this week and won't get a chance to finish up the job until next Saturday
Ya know, the driveline shop tells me there's a 'hybrid' u-joint available. One set of trunnions is the right size to fit the output shaft on the ZF; the other two trunnions are smaller to fit the driveline yoke that's currently installed. I noticed that my carrier bearing can be moved about 1", and last Summer when I tried this for the first time, we only removed about 3/4" from the driveshaft. Sooooo, I'm wondering if I really need to modify the driveline???
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2005
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I have a LUK SMF in my 91 7.3 ZF and it works fine, no chatter, no noise.
Someone mentioned putting 30weight oil in the ZF. Keep in mind that ATF is used in ZF because its gear toleraces are so close that a heavier weight oil could squish out and leave the gear dry. The ATF in the ZF should be changed on a regular basis, just like an automatic.
Someone mentioned putting 30weight oil in the ZF. Keep in mind that ATF is used in ZF because its gear toleraces are so close that a heavier weight oil could squish out and leave the gear dry. The ATF in the ZF should be changed on a regular basis, just like an automatic.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,701
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From: KY
Ya know, the driveline shop tells me there's a 'hybrid' u-joint available. One set of trunnions is the right size to fit the output shaft on the ZF; the other two trunnions are smaller to fit the driveline yoke that's currently installed. I noticed that my carrier bearing can be moved about 1", and last Summer when I tried this for the first time, we only removed about 3/4" from the driveshaft. Sooooo, I'm wondering if I really need to modify the driveline???
There are several joints out there with two different sizes trunnions. I am thinking a common one that is used is a "434" Napa number. Two sizes on a joint isn't uncommon anymore.
I used a joint like this when I put a 205 transfer case out of a 79 model in my 95 chassis and I used the half ton front drive shaft. I had a joint that would fit the old slip yoke and the big end fit the 50 IFS yoke. The joint was in a "434" Napa box but I can't be for sure that it was in the right box. I have had the joint for years and it just happened to work. The big side of the joint is 1.126" and the small side is 1.064".
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Kent WA
Originally Posted by Dave Barbieri
CJ -
How did your tranny swap end up? (inquiring minds wanna know....) I'm looking at starting mine the week after Labor Day. Got all the pieces/parts, but now I need to take care of a coupla oil leaks first.
How did your tranny swap end up? (inquiring minds wanna know....) I'm looking at starting mine the week after Labor Day. Got all the pieces/parts, but now I need to take care of a coupla oil leaks first.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 321
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Originally Posted by CheaperJeeper
So far so good.
That's what nailed me last Summer when I tried this for the first time. Scared the crap outta me. I thought tranny parts were about to start a relay race across the shop! Well, a coupla weeks ago, I was at a training class on manual transmissions, and one of the instructors commented on how common it was for the 5th gear bearing to go out on the ZF's. Said you'd hear this horrible rumbling noise in all gears but 5th. In 5th gear, the bearing doesn't rotate, since the gearset is locked to the shaft. Man, it was like a giant spotlight went on over my head! So, now that I'm back, one of the first things we're doing this week is pulling off the rear case and checking out that bearing. It'd be too cool if that's what the problem was!
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Kent WA
Originally Posted by Dave Barbieri
How about tranny noises? Any clattering/rumbling?
That's what nailed me last Summer when I tried this for the first time. Scared the crap outta me. I thought tranny parts were about to start a relay race across the shop! Well, a coupla weeks ago, I was at a training class on manual transmissions, and one of the instructors commented on how common it was for the 5th gear bearing to go out on the ZF's. Said you'd hear this horrible rumbling noise in all gears but 5th. In 5th gear, the bearing doesn't rotate, since the gearset is locked to the shaft. Man, it was like a giant spotlight went on over my head! So, now that I'm back, one of the first things we're doing this week is pulling off the rear case and checking out that bearing. It'd be too cool if that's what the problem was!
That's what nailed me last Summer when I tried this for the first time. Scared the crap outta me. I thought tranny parts were about to start a relay race across the shop! Well, a coupla weeks ago, I was at a training class on manual transmissions, and one of the instructors commented on how common it was for the 5th gear bearing to go out on the ZF's. Said you'd hear this horrible rumbling noise in all gears but 5th. In 5th gear, the bearing doesn't rotate, since the gearset is locked to the shaft. Man, it was like a giant spotlight went on over my head! So, now that I'm back, one of the first things we're doing this week is pulling off the rear case and checking out that bearing. It'd be too cool if that's what the problem was!
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