I found a ZF trans for $300. Owner says there is no probs. Is there a way to test it or check it before installation?

 

No help here, but I happened to find out there are seven different ZF transmissions. Probably everyone but me knew that.

 

True, be sure that it's for a 300, 302, 351 and not for the big block or diesel.
Maybe have a local shop just comb over it before installing it?

 

A big 10-4 on the bench rebuild before you install. The ZF's only real weak spot is the shift forks - if they're cooked the tranny won't shift for @#$%. Ask me how I know.

Like taking off and nuking the site from orbit, it's the only way to be sure.

 

a way to test it
The best is IN the rig - drivin (feel how it shifts) n listenin (for any problems). Other ways R more difficult. Good luck w/the purchase.


For your application R different models S42, S45 and
S47, if I remember correctly which are all good, but the latter has some
improvements from the earlier models - 1988 or later Ford 4 wheel drive pick up with small block engine. The ZF S542 was used from 1988-1994 and the ZF S547 from 1995 on.
A 2WD ZF will have a tail section attached that tapers to a yoke. A 4WD
will have a intermediate housing on the back that would mate to a transfer
case. Some of the 4x2 ZFs had an E-brake attached to the rear of the trans. That
4x2 ZF is the same as the 4x4 ZF.

Click on the below - a favorite site:
Rockland Standard Gear, Inc. | Featured Articles
It has a few pdfs that help identify/descrie ZF S542s and even a pdf that helps diagnose some problems, like:
http://www.rsgear.com/technical/articles/1992_09.pdf
and
http://www.rsgear.com/technical/articles/1999_01.pdf

Kevin, this one gives all the part numbers case U need to repair:
www.trkprtcatalog.com

ZF's website has some good information:
[url=http://ZF Friedrichshafen AG / Pickup Driveline [url]

Application progression chart:
ZF Friedrichshafen AG

ZF S542 - there are actually more than 4 varieties of that identifying number. All are 5 speed with top overdrive rated at 420 ftlbs of torques with integral bellhousing and pto covers on both sides. There are 2 different bellhousing patterns, the smallblock and the big block/deisel. There are also two different sets of gears wide and close ratios. Then the tailhousing is also different between 2wd and 4wd. Supposedly there is also a heavier duty 2wd tailhousing that is comprable to the 4wd but instead of bolting to a transfer case it bolts to an emergency brake apparatus. I think that would be perfect for my application, but haven't seen any "good" info on it, and have never seen one with my own eyes.

The small block wide ratio.
WIDE RATIO
1st Gear: 5.72
2nd Gear: 2.94
3rd Gear: 1.61
4th Gear: 1.00
5th Gear: 0.76
Rev Gear: 5.24

Its the only trans I could find that would put you up to highway speeds without your gear reducer or auxilliary trans etc.

 

Yup, the S42, S45, and S47 would all do you just fine. Multiply the last two numbers by 10, and that's the trans' torque rating. Improvements or not, they'll take what you can put through them.

 

Find out what it is ASAP! I WOULD beware, because that sounds too good to be true, so....
Anyway, the handful of rebuilt units currently on Ebay are all in the $1200 to $1600 range, and there's a core charge too. That core charge is likely at least $300. If you don't take it, I'd appreciate the chance to try to scrape that much up right quick. I'd probably even be interested if it fits a 4.6 bolt pattern. Anyway, if I were you, I'd probably get it even if it needs to be reworked. They are pretty hard to come by. Good luck with it!

 

It is the 2x4 model. Ck Craigslist in the Oregon coast section. The owner is actually in E. OR, Bend.

Where's that broke old cowboy? You still broke, OBCB?

 

Ford Small Block 2wd ZF5 Transmission

site mash : ford zf parts : craigslist parts finder

The used 4x2 ones usually aren't too expensive, but the 4x4 ones can be tough to find.

 

Yo! I'm still here and still broke. Was there some thing I can help with? I'm almost as far east as you can go, but not quite. OBCB

 

out back

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4 WD w/e brake attached

 

I finally found one a few months back, came out of a commercial F250 4x4 crew/flatbed 351w with about a million miles on it, needed work, had a guy with a small shop rebuild it and wow what a nice trans for the 4.9. Love that lower 1st gear and the low reverse. My m50d was in good shape (and is 4 sale) but starting with a load on a grade was tough on the clutch (and me).

 

Which model ZF? got the e-brake on back? what clutch U use? no adapter needed - you're 2 WD?

U can C what's goin on in my sig. below. Tryin to figure: is the rat 3 speed to ZF a one step job. Need a 5.0 hydraulic clutch bell 1st (slave n master) to do it but aint sure what else. HD clutch? We got the same bell housing.

Thanks, enjoy your "new ride".

 

The ZF is one piece with an integral bell housing. I'd assume it's longer than your 3 speed, so you'd also need to get the ZF tranny crossmember and relocate it back a couple of inches from where the stock one mounts. Then shorten the driveshaft accordingly. So, no, it's not a one step job.

FWIW, I've got the bell housing from the T-18 that came out of my Bronco sitting around if you're interested.

 

I might be a day late and a dollar short here but I got my zf for less than $75... OK with the new shift forks and a couple syncros and synthetic tranny fluid it was $250ish to get it in... anyway $300 is a good price...

Just be sure to take the case off and check all the "hard parts" over carefully! It will be terrible expensive to replace gears... shift forks and syncros are cheap and easy... if the inside of the tranny is clean and doesn't smell "burnt up" and all the hard parts are good... I'd definatly buy it for $300!!!!!!!