I was just wondering! I want more gears on the highway, and my choices are Gear vendors overdrive unit $3000 or something else. I started looking at new Ford trucks and they have a ZF S542 transmission 6 speed. Has anyone put one of these into their 4x4. I have a 1976 highboy 360, 4 speed (new process 435), 410 rears. I would love to have a 6 speed and save some gas. Any one have done similar, let me know. If not then let me know what you know about the ZF trans.

 

NV4500 Trans Kit (does not include transmission)

This is a pretty popular conversion for our trucks. I have read some posts on here about it that sounds interesting.

Kirk

 

Another vender: NV4500 Transmissions - Adapters - NV4500 Conversion Kits | NV4500.COM

 

or this...

Ranger Torque Splitter For 1971-87 4-Speeds

 

great info that I was not aware of, thanks. Maybe that is the route I will go.
but has anyone tried one of the new 6 speed ZF S542 transmissions off of a new ford truck. I might could get a used one cheaper than 2k for the other ideas you guys gave me. Anyone?? Anyone?? tried this swap or can anyone think of the problems I might have if I did this. One off the top of my head, I would need a hydraulic clutch and a bell housing plate.

 

I think the real problem is that I'm not sure if there is an adapter for the old engines for this transmission.

 

I have the nv4500 in my 77 highboy. OUTSTANDING transmission and way more easy conversion than a 6 speed. the current 6 speeds have an integral bell housing and to my knowledge there are no adapters available.

 

I heard that it may be possible to bolt up a ZF 542 5 speed transmission from a 460 to a 400M motor. The bell housing for the 400M is the same as a 460 so I was told. I do not think there is any way to bolt it up to a 360-390 motor. Then there is the issue of adapting a hydraulic clutch that you also stated. Good Luck.

Matt
73 Crew Cab( 4x4 Soon)

 

I am new here and know this post died over 4 years ago but does anyone know for sure if the ZF S542 trans would bolt to the 400? Are there any more good options out there to put behind the 400? I have a 400 in a 78 F350. I had a 90 F350 with the 7.3 and the ZF in it so I know those are good transmissions. I know everyone's time is valuable so any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the site. I have the NV4500 bolted to my 351m. The 351m is identical to the 400 in every external dimension. I have had one in my 77 F250 4x4 for almost 4 years and I love it. Advance adapters make a kit that bolts the Trans to the stock bell housing. I was able to retain my stock flywheel, pressure plate, bell housing and all the linkage. I did have to get a clutch disc with a different spline count but that's it.

I bolted the trans in and shortened the intermediate shaft. Done!

If you go this route. Let me know and I'll help if I can.

 

So you think the NV would be a better choice than a ZF? I'm wondering about price. As usual with me I'm on a shoe string budget. Lol. This old truck is great but third has a heck of a growl and the engine needs to run a little slower going down the highway anyway. Lol. Just had it hooked to a 16ft car trailer with an old John Deere tractor and it got about 7! No more than 10 with a load and on the highway.

 

YES.
Any transmission that bolted to a 460 will bolt to a 351M and a 400.


Yes, I think the NV4500 is a better transmission than the ZF.


I did a ZF swap in my truck a couple years ago. I love having 5th gear, but the tranny has it's own issues, most notable it is NOISY!

 

I chose the NV 4500 because of its removable bell housing and short size. I was trying to fit a 5 speed in the space that a 4 speed took up.

I'm assuming your 78 is 2wd so you have a few more options. The ZF may be a fine transmission. I didn't see any real mpg increase around town and maybe a 1-2 mpg increase on the hi way

 

Yes mine is 2wd. Thanks for your input. I'm still exploring options.

 

Ask anybody with a six-speed manual and they'll tell ya that sixth is there to really only get the vehicle (and company) over the CAFE standards. A five-speed is more usable for day to day use.