Putting a 4wd tail housing on a 2wd Zf?

[Biohazard]

I may have picked up a zf 5sp and related parts out of a 2wd F250 seriously cheap. I know the basic difference is the tail housing and the output shaft. I am also aware of the tech article on using the 2wd trans and modding it to work, but I am curious about just swapping the tail housing and then adapting it to the D20. Does anyone have some definitive info on this possibility? I really desire a 5sp to help with cruising and the low first gear would be lovely off-road. Any info would be appreciated because this nickel and dime build will not see an overdrive with my current financial situation.

 

[RPM289]

Curious to see answers on this also!

 

[hucklburry rev2]

Since a 4x4 zf can be found for under $600 (I have like $270 in mine) I think I would sell the one you have, I'd think you can get $200+ for it at least, and put that towards the zf 4x4 version. Otherwise you would spend (just off the top of my head here) at least $200 for the parts you need, plus labor to swap the parts, and I think they would cost even more plus a rebuild kit while your in there (bearings, seals, gaskets)

That is the route I'd go, your still going to need the adapter, and recommended new clutch, clutch cylinders, etc.

Good luck!

 

[Broncobowsher]

It's not just the tailhousing, there is the output shaft that is different as well. The output shaft is the sticky point in doing a 2WD to 4WD conversion of the ZF.

 

[Biohazard]

I'm aware of the output shaft difference.

 

[Biohazard]

If I could come across a 4wd model for $300 or less I'd be all over it. I haven't been so lucky

 

[ScanmanSteven]

I have one but have to agree that a $300 ZF would be a real deal. Don't usually find them that cheap in the Midwest.

 

[okie4570]

Is a ZF from a diesel different than from a gasser? I see the diesel 4x4 fairly often, usually about $600ish.

 

[toddsrods]

it's worth the effort. just got the ZF in mine and freakin love it.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The diesel is different. Odd input shaft, different (closer) ratios.
I've heard talk about running diesel guts in a gasser case, but have never heard of any completed examples. I can only summarize that there must be something that stops this from happening.

 

[Timmy390]

Been looking for a ZF 4x4 for sometime now. I can only find diesel versions local but I'm still looking. Can't say I've been beating the bushes looking for one but have had my eyes open.

Tim

 

[bronconut73]

ZF and a 205 sure is an inexpensive way to go.
No adapters. Uber strong. Not "too" long.

 

[Casey4wd]

They are out there. I picked one up within the last month. Bought it on Craigslist and had him ship it to me via Fastenal. Paid about $500 including the shipping. I am sure you can find them cheaper, but that seemed like a decent deal to me.

 

[hucklburry rev2]

I bought a 89 F-250 that was not running for $700, took me a couple weeks of it not selling to talk the guy down from $1000.

I towed it home, pulled the parts I needed, sold the engine to a friend on here for $50, and scrap was higher then, I scrapped the rest. Also found $37 in coins in a bag behind the seat.

I could have parted out more for more money, like the tires, etc. if I wanted to spend the time, but in the end, the ZF cost me like $270, plus some labor/hauling.

Thats how I did it

 

[Joker11]

I keep hearing guys say they get the ZFs cheap. I never actually see them cheap.
The guys that get them cheap sure as heck aren't passing them on cheap either.

If anyone wants one, I found a guy in Phoenix that was tops to deal with. I got the ZF, the TO bearing, the shifter and boot for about a grand. Plus a warranty.

 

[Boss Hugg]

Pm sent biohazard

 

[COSCAG00]

Like everyone else I found a "cheap" ZF to drop in my build. If I remember correctly it cost me $250 for the transmission,I installed it and drove it but it would pop out of 2nd and reverse. So then the rebuild cost another $1500 on top of that! In the end I would not have changed a thing as I now know that my transmission is good to go for a longtime. It also made driving so much more enjoyable over the stock 3 speed as well as the NP435 that it replaced.