ZF5 GRINDS!&POPS!

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Jan 3, 2010 | 09:57 PM

83F350351w

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ZF5 GRINDS!&POPS!

Ok so i just put a zf5 transmission from a 1990 f250 into my 1983 F350 replacing the 3 speed c6. The clutch is new, flywheel is ground, fluid is topped off, everything on the peddles are tight. Now every gear shifts great, but when i try to put it into reverse it feels like it goes in and doesnt grind until i let the clutch out and it seems like it isnt engaged all the way and grinds. so i put it in first or second for a second and creep forward then reverse works. Ive been doing that for about 3 weeks but the grinding would always happen once and a while and i plow with it so its tuff. Tonight it got bad. i would back up 5 feet and it would just pop right out of reverse and its just getting worse. Whats wrong with this? any ideas thanks

Jan 4, 2010 | 07:05 AM

ArdWrknTrk

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From: EXTREME southwest CT

From your username I assume you have a smallblock.

Here are links to the troubleshooting guide, exploded view and data sheet on ZF's website.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG / Troubleshooting Guide

http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/i...2_Exploded.pdf

http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/i...2datasheet.pdf

I think it's likely the bearing or its housing is worn and when you engage reverse the shafts are being forced away from one another.

Jan 8, 2010 | 12:56 AM

83F350351w

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if the syncros went or the reverse gear went wouldnt there be chips in the oil??

Jan 8, 2010 | 07:14 AM

ArdWrknTrk

pedant

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From: EXTREME southwest CT

Try double clutching it and matching revs...

Jan 8, 2010 | 10:10 AM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

There are two common problems with the zf 5 speed. The case can develop cracks, and reverse wears out and pops out of gear. Knock on wood, the one I just swapped in doesn't pop out of reverse, but in a f350 a guy I know has, it does pop out of reverse. If you make an extra effort to make sure it's all the way in, 75% of the time it won't do it.

Jan 8, 2010 | 07:20 PM

83F350351w

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ya everthing else is fine. just grinds when i let the clutch out or just pops right out. it always ground sometime when i let the clutch out and just started to pop out now.