Were the big block ZFs different than the small block version? The bell housing on my ZF is flat all the way across. I appreciate the picture!

 

Yes. the BBF is different than the SBF the gear ratios are completly different along w other things

 

I shouldn't have phrased my question the way I did. I know that the gear ratios are the same wide ratios for gas versions, big block and small, but closer ratios on the diesel versions. My question was really meant to ask if there was a difference in the way the dust shield attached between the big and small block versions. I have a 351 that will eventually go in my truck that came from an E4OD truck, along with a small block ZF, and I was just trying to figure out if I needed a new dust shield or not.

 

Actually small block ones are differnt gear ratios than big block ones. Small blocks have lower 1st gear.

Wasn't your original post for a BBF zf?

 

According to the '91 Ford Shop Manual...
Not all diesels came with a close ratio ZF.

F250's and F350's gasoline models mostly came with the wide ratio ZF.
Mazda transmissions are "supposed to be" all close ratio and were used
in the Bronco and F150's.

But not all of the F150's and Broncos came with a close ratio transmission
because they mention the wide ratio being used in them too sometimes.

Question is, were there any wide ratio Mazda transmissions made? :)
Were the wide ratio transmissions in the F150's and Broncos ZF's or
Mazdas?

Alvin in AZ

 

All gas ZF transmissions used in our model year range trucks are wide ratio (not talking about the Mazda transmission, which as far as I can tell, was only available with one set of ratios). Diesels could be had with either wide or close ratio -- straight from ZF's website.

http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/i...nsmissions.pdf
http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/i...nsmissions.pdf

However, I still don't have an answer to my question. I hate to drag this out since nomad221 already had his question answered, but since the small block ZF lacks the kick-back and wrap-around dust shield like the big block version pictured above, would the E4OD small block dust shield be able to work with a small block ZF?

 

I don't know. ;)
But I'm fixin' to find out. :)

So far it doesn't look good tho... :/
...since there is a removable plate at the bottom of the E4OD version.

And it seems much thinner but haven't got it off yet, so can't measure
it like I mean it, just yet.

And yeah, I got my information from ZF's website too, just forgot where
until you mentioned it. LOL :)

What's CRS stand for again? :/
I forgot. ;)

Alvin in AZ

 

I realize the gas zf's are SUPPOSE to have the same ratios but my 96 f350 460 truck has a differnt 1st and 2nd than my buddys 97 f250 351 truck. He never starts in 1st. It is just too low. Mt truck you have to slip the clutch in 2nd to start out

 

What are the rear end gear ratios and tire sizes for your truck and his?

 

He has 4:10's and 285's i have 4:10's and 33's

 

The 285 part is the width, do you know what the diameter is?

 

285/75/16(33")

 

Strange...

 

Unless his 351 has more low end torque than my 460

 

Welcome to the world of Fords! LOL :)

"Ford never learned how to make the same part twice ;)" -my Chevy buddies

I test drove the '90 F250 5.8 parts truck to be absolutely sure that the ZF in
it had gramma. ;)

Alvin in AZ