m5od or zf5

[Big Slim]

i put a zf5 in the bronco a few years ago and just picked up a m5od for another project. seems like the zf5 is a much stronger trans that might be helpful on the other project. i don't really off road the bronco or tow so the m5od might be a better choice for it. would like to have a more street 5 speed in it as i don't use 1st gear. would they interchange atleast length and mounting point? i think the shifter point is a bit different.

 

[Broncobowsher]

My understanding is they will. Clutch I recall is different in the linkage/hydraulic department.
The M5 has a couple differnt shifter options. Old is forward, newer is rearward.

 

[Big Slim]

this one is more forward from a 92. thought the rearward ones were the R1 versions.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Pretty sure the R1 versions were the super light duty ones used on Rangers and BroncoIIs after '88 (Mitsubishi transmissions up to '87, you can tell them apart quick by the shifter. The Mazda has a shift boot that goes to the shift knob. Yea, know too much about those).

The rear shifter positions on the R2 are from '97 and newer F150

 

[1969]

Some good info here. I’d stay away from the R1 version.​

https://core-shifters.com/pages/ford-m5od-truck-trans-info​

M5OD-R1​

• 1988–2011 Ford Ranger
• 1988–1990 Ford Bronco II
• 1988–1995 Ford Aerostar
• 1991–2000 Ford Explorer

M5OD-R2​

• 1988–1996 Ford F-150 (4.9 L I6 and 5.0 L V8 engines)
• 1987–1996 Ford Bronco (4.9 L I6 and 5.0 L V8 engines)
• 1988–1989 Ford Econoline (4.9 L I6)

 

[.94 OR]

You can source them from some of the newer F150's as well.

 

[Galt72]

absolutely love my ZF, 35" with 411 gears. Take off in 2nd and go into 5th overdrive around 55mph

 

[.94 OR]

There are two different ZF's, one is a 42 and one is a 47. 42 for the small block bolt pattern, 47 for the big block/diesel. Not interchangeable.
There is also a close ratio setup and a regular setup. I'd be curious to know which one you have.
I had one in an '88 F250 with the 460. It was a nice gear box but likely overkill for my Bronco.

 

[Broncobowsher]

There are two different ZF's, one is a 42 and one is a 47. 42 for the small block bolt pattern, 47 for the big block/diesel. Not interchangeable.
There is also a close ratio setup and a regular setup. I'd be curious to know which one you have.
I had one in an '88 F250 with the 460. It was a nice gear box but likely overkill for my Bronco.

Pretty sure the 42 and 47 were both available for all engines. It was a year change where they changed. At least the past 20 years of research has taught me that.

 

[.94 OR]

You are probably correct.

 

[bronkenn]

If you have an older model M5, it is a pretty simple job putting the newer M5 shifter on it. It will move the shifter to a much better place. The newer shifter can be from a 2 wheel drive trans that is fairly easy to find.

 

[Big Slim]

good to know that the top cover and shifter can be swapped.

 

[1969miller]

97 and newer M5rod-2 have the rearward shifter, i have one in my 5.0L ranger

 

[.94 OR]

Is the top cover that puts the shifter in the more forward position close to where the shifter is for the NP435?
Is the biggest reason for ergonomics or under dash vents for A/C?