ZF5 weak?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
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From: NJ
ZF5 weak?
I keep hearing the ZF5 is a weak trans. I suppose by rating it is, since it's only rated for 420 ft/lbs. What is the typical failure point on these? Is there anything I can do to strengthen the trans? Should I be worried about breaking mine?
I'd like to keep overdrive but I'm worried about breaking this trans. My 460 makes about 400 HP and 550 ft/lbs, so I'm well over the rating. So far the trans has been great pulling my boat (4000 lbs) and I've done a little bit of hot rodding around, winding out to 6000 and chirping 3rd. Truck weighs about 6000 lbs so it's not exactly a lightweight. I figure worst case if I end up breaking the ZF I can always do a NP435 as I wouldn't sweat that with only 550 ft/lbs. Just prefer to keep overdrive.
I'd like to keep overdrive but I'm worried about breaking this trans. My 460 makes about 400 HP and 550 ft/lbs, so I'm well over the rating. So far the trans has been great pulling my boat (4000 lbs) and I've done a little bit of hot rodding around, winding out to 6000 and chirping 3rd. Truck weighs about 6000 lbs so it's not exactly a lightweight. I figure worst case if I end up breaking the ZF I can always do a NP435 as I wouldn't sweat that with only 550 ft/lbs. Just prefer to keep overdrive.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Chirping 3rd will break it.
In my travels here I have never seen a thread where someone broke a ZF.
That doesn't mean much...but that's what I recall.
Take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you.
Once you break it, you can always change to a NV4500 to retain OD.
In my travels here I have never seen a thread where someone broke a ZF.
That doesn't mean much...but that's what I recall.
Take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you.
Once you break it, you can always change to a NV4500 to retain OD.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 27
From: NJ
That's what I don't understand... Everyone cries that they are weak but no one has ever broken one, knows anyone who broke one, or heard of anyone breaking one.
I'm considering a putting a detroit in the rear because when it's wet out with this 460 it's difficult to get any traction to get moving from a stop. Also if I ever get into wheelin' again I'll probably do either a limited slip or a clutch locker in the front 60. All that traction could test the ZF.
I'm considering a putting a detroit in the rear because when it's wet out with this 460 it's difficult to get any traction to get moving from a stop. Also if I ever get into wheelin' again I'll probably do either a limited slip or a clutch locker in the front 60. All that traction could test the ZF.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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OK, here's one. Oil burner motor, does not say how it broke, probably not jerking the front wheels off the ground on a upshift....
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7882555
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7882555
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 27
From: NJ
Thanks for the link. I was discussing this ZF5 potential breakage with my friend the other day and we came to the idea that the case itself may be the weak link, being aluminum. I've also heard about reverse gear getting damaged.
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