ZF question

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Feb 6, 2003 | 11:44 AM

loudfords

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Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Beachville, Ontario

ZF question

I'm trying to hunt down a ZF 5 speed for my 79 F150 right now and I keep coming across 2 options, cable drive speedo or electric speedo. What difference (if any) is there between the two trannies?

Feb 6, 2003 | 01:44 PM

StrangeRanger

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Joined: Dec 1999

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From: Copley, OH

ZF question

You need the cable drive version. Late model trucks have an electronic speedo controlled by a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) in the differential housing; they don't need any provision on the tranny tailshaft for driving the speedo mechanically.

Feb 6, 2003 | 02:08 PM

loudfords

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Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Beachville, Ontario

ZF question

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the reply. Now to find the tranny....No auto wreckers in Ontario are showing one in inventory right now....

Feb 6, 2003 | 10:26 PM

Boss_358

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Joined: Dec 1999

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From: Benton County, MN

ZF question

The ZF's seem to be scarce. I have been nosing around trying to find one to do a swap with and all I can come up with is a rebuilt for $2000.00. Plus there is a core charge. I have also looked into the possibilities of an NV4500 5 speed which seem to be a little more common. But I know for sure that the ZF would work in most Ford applications. You may have to search the net for one and have it shipped.

Feb 6, 2003 | 11:23 PM

steve83

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Memphis, TN

ZF question

If the ZF is going into a 4WD application, you don't need the speedo provision - the speedo cable hooks up to the transfer case, so don't sweat it. Just be sure to budget for the adapter to connect the ZF to your old (?) NP-205.

Feb 7, 2003 | 06:43 AM

loudfords

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FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: Sep 2000

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From: Beachville, Ontario

ZF question

It's going into a 2wd so I do need the speedo cable provision. Probably should have mentioned that from the begininning.

Feb 7, 2003 | 08:12 AM

steve83

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Memphis, TN

ZF question

Yes.

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Feb 10, 2003 | 05:06 AM

shotgun

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Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 390

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From: South East Alabama

ZF question

Go to fordpartsonline.com and check for yourself. A brand new ZF for a 2x4 is $1,280. A 4x4 ZF new is $1,550.02. I am sure it comes with a warranty. You can find it listed under F150. If you send them your vin# they can quote a price for the Mazda M5OD. I would have done it but I am in Korea. VIN# isn't handy. I would love to see what the MAzda cost compared to the ZF.

Why pay more if you don't have too?

Chris...