I found a zf at the junkyard, started to take it out of the truck (u-pull yard), then realized there is nowhere to put the speedo cable, the housing is there, but it's plugged off. Is there a speedo gear in there. Can I drill the hole out. It is a '94 2 wheel drive with electronic speedo, Can I get this to work in my '86 2wd?

 

The 92 and newer trucks had an electronic deal for getting the speed. You may be able to swap the tailshaft housing for an older style that has the hole you need. I'm not sure what a 2wd ZF looks like though. Another member on here had the same problem doing an M5OD swap. He got another tail housing and swapped with no problems. If you're getting a good deal on the transmission, I'd go ahead and still grab it. Maybe call some repair places and see if they have any extra tails from damaged units.

 

Swapping a tailshaft housing is not an easy thing to do with a ZF5, It is a rear loaded transmission.

The speed sensor is in the rear end.

The 91 has both. (at least mine does)

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

I wasn't sure, I have no experience with the 2wd ZF. I've only played with the 4wd versions and the speedo cable goes in the t-case.

 

Meant no offense!

Just happen to be looking into this at the moment, else I wouldn't know...

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

None taken, I'm glad someone with more knowledge could step in and set the record straight. I learned something new, nothing wrong with that. ;-)

 

Cool, Don't know about more knowledge, maybe on that single subject!

I'm not a diplomat, I just speak and sometime it pours out worded wrong, I rarely mean offense and will typically make it clear when I do!

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

I was at the junkyard trying to get the transmission out, and the only thing that stopped me from getting it was a rounded out starter bolt, I'm going back in the morning to get it even if I can't use it because it's only going to cost $91, and the fact that the one starter bolt is the only thing left to take off, then it's mine. There is a spot on the left side where the speedo housing is cast into the housing, so I thought it might be possible to drill it out, but it sounds like maybe not.

 

No, You would not be able to just drill it out.

$91 bux, I would grab it as well... They are worth more than that.

What motor is it attached to?

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

The truck is a 94 F250 with a 4.9 2wd. I'm going to get it anyways because it's so cheap. btw what does a rear loaded transmission mean?

 

It means the internals (gears/shafts etc...) are installed through the back half of the transmission. The case splits in halves (basically) front and rear.

Many manual transmissions are loaded from the top, called Top Loaders, Some consider Top Loaders to be stronger because the shafts are all in a 1 piece case.

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

Oh, okay, I guess you learn something new everyday! thanks for the replies everybody.

 

Hopefully one does...

At least thats the way I like it.

You're welcome, Enjoy!

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

FWIW: 2wd ZF's aren't worth nearly as much as 4wd versions.

That's still a good price if you need it for your truck.

 

Theres a guy locally selling a used SB 2wd ZF on craigslist for $800. Sounds pretty high when you consider a used 4wd ZF only goes for $700 and comes with a 30 day warranty. For $91, if you cant make it work, you can sell it for more than you paid and try again.