ZF6 Scratch
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Sullivan, MO
ZF6 Scratch
I'm looking at buying an 03 F450 6.0 6speed 143k, but it has got a 3rd gear (#2 on the shifter) scratch, among other problems that need to get fixed. I've been reading posts on here and I haven't heard of any real problems with these transmissions. Has anyone else had a similar problem with one of these, or am I the first??
I know it's something that will have to be fixed, but is there anything I can do to help it before it may have to go to the (gulp) manual transmission shop? Any info will be much appreciated. Thanks!!
This site has been a big help to me in the past, so of course, this was the first place I turn to for information.
I know it's something that will have to be fixed, but is there anything I can do to help it before it may have to go to the (gulp) manual transmission shop? Any info will be much appreciated. Thanks!! This site has been a big help to me in the past, so of course, this was the first place I turn to for information.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,752
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From: Stillwater, OK
double clutch it if you have to. There was a TSB about hard shifting in cold (for '08s at least) that just called for thinner transmission fluid... I found that double clutching solved the problem just as easily.
Manual transmissions are easy as Pi. Nothing wrong with taking one to a shop, or if you have a little mechanical aptitude and can find a shop manual for it... tear it down yourself and get a new set of bearings and synchros, and build 'er back up.
Manual transmissions are easy as Pi. Nothing wrong with taking one to a shop, or if you have a little mechanical aptitude and can find a shop manual for it... tear it down yourself and get a new set of bearings and synchros, and build 'er back up.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Fort Worth
They are a beast to shift in the winter. Tell me though, as I never heard of this TSB, how do you get thinner transmission fluid, when the transmission uses ATF? All ATF is the same thickness I thought.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Carstairs Alberta
live in the middle of alberta where it gets way colder than Ft.Worth. my 03 had the manual never had any prob cold or hot, like they said just pause for a second to give it time to sync.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Stillwater, OK
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Fort Worth
Well, I imagine the transmission itself is the same. If so, why was I told not to put MTF in it? I was going to. A nice friction-modified MTL, but was told that it would burn up the transmission.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
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From: Slatington, PA
The ZF5 in my dad's truck is like that when its cold during fall and all through winter. He has to double clutch that shift until it warms up a bit. After that, there's no trouble. Does yours go away once its warm?
I was told once that the tolerances in the trans are so close that thicker oil wouldn't flow properly. Not sure if its true or not, but it made sense to me.
I was told once that the tolerances in the trans are so close that thicker oil wouldn't flow properly. Not sure if its true or not, but it made sense to me.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Sullivan, MO
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the info. Do you think that the thinner trans fluid would help my situation? It does it all the time, not just when cold. I notice it more when downshifting than when taking off, too.
I was wondering about tearing into it myself as a project. The other issues the truck has I was going to try to tackle them myself as well. Where can I get a shop mnual for these transmissions, or is it just a manual for the whole truck??
I was wondering about tearing into it myself as a project. The other issues the truck has I was going to try to tackle them myself as well. Where can I get a shop mnual for these transmissions, or is it just a manual for the whole truck??
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Stillwater, OK
ZF6 Speed Manual Transmissions Part, Rebuild Overhaul Kits Ford Truck - Drivetrain.com
There is a parts list from drivetrain.com
Yes, there are steps for disassembly and reassembly in the workshop manuals at motorcraftservice.com
There is a parts list from drivetrain.com
Yes, there are steps for disassembly and reassembly in the workshop manuals at motorcraftservice.com
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 120
From: Carstairs Alberta
you want stiff trannies, i drove an 81 f250 with the 351 at 35 below you couldn't release the clutch in neutral with out stalling the engine until things warmed up. put the tranfercase into n and slip the clutch until it rolled over
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