short throw kit for the ZF-5 speed

[72Quarterhorse]

Has any one tried this short throw kit for the ZF-5 speed? What do you think of this kit?

http://www.midnightmods.com/2009/11/midwest-trans-short-throw-shifter-kit.html

 

[badmuttstang]

I think its a great idea never used it but anytime you can shorten the throw and tighten up the shift pattern its a good thing. With that said I hate to say it but you probably just opened Pandoras box so many on here and I'm not trying to be mean just don't get the concept of a short throw shifter and what it does. Some think it shortens the shifter rod itself making the lever shorter others think its only for street or drag cars. Hopefully someone has first hand experience with this one I have had experience with others and don't think I could run a stock shifter after it. So good luck.

 

[KyleQ]

Yikes, worth over $200? That's a tough call-

 

[hucklburry rev2]

I saw what I think is a different kit while researching zf stuff, it was $195 and you had to send in part of your shifter for mod, which they shipped back to you.

Once I get done with the EFI and ZF install, this is on a list of things I want to do. Reviews I read were positive from guys with 6 speed diesels, but it was on the guys web page so I doubt there would be negative reviews.

 

[GrillMaster]

I have heard positive things about it and my guess is that it improves shift feel. Weather it is worth spending $200 to have a slightly smaller pattern I can't say.

 

[dclack]

I want one for both my Bronco and truck, but I don't think anybody is making these anymore. The last person I knew that was making them was Jim at Rosewood Diesel, but he quit because the spacer plate costs so much to machine that he wasn't making any profit. There has been a lot of discussion about these kits in the 94.5-97 Powerstroke section on FTE and I have not seen any complaints or regrets.

 

[72Quarterhorse]

I have a NV3550 in my 72 bronco with the stock shifter. I have read so many positive treads about the b&m shifter for the NV-3550 but have never bought one because of the price. With that said this fathers day I ordered one from summit racing at $199.00 that is about the same price for the ZF shifter. I am currently building a bronco with a ZF 5 speed so I might be interested in the short throw shifter for the ZF. I have never heard any thing from the guys on here with the ZF in there broncos . Maybe they are not aware of the short throw shifter or may be it is just not needed. This is why I post the link.

 

[72Quarterhorse]

I want one for both my Bronco and truck, but I don't think anybody is making these anymore. The last person I knew that was making them was Jim at Rosewood Diesel, but he quit because the spacer plate costs so much to machine that he wasn't making any profit. There has been a lot of discussion about these kits in the 94.5-97 Powerstroke section on FTE and I have not seen any complaints or regrets.

Ok just looked the writeup was posted on Sunday, November 8, 2009

 

[Joker11]

I will be bolting mine up when I get the Strong box. After I see how the shifting is, I will decide whether or not I want the short throw. All it does is move the pivot point higher. This causes a decrease in the distance that the shift knob moves horizontally and vertically. By changing the pivot point higher, it also decreases the amount of leverage force. So it will feel a little stiffer. But probably not noticeable considering how long the shifter is. That makes a lot of leverage right there. I imagine the stick could be shortened up a bit to declutter the cockpit feel.

 

[broncnaz]

Someone was just saying the other day how they liked there short shifter on there ZF. Im sure it helps on a ZF like many other truck transmissions with there long throws. Price is about what most short throws go for.

 

[JB Fab]

Yes!
We have one in our 66' and our 95' (both diesels) They are worth every penny if you have a 3200rpm redline. There does not seem to be any more resistance to the shifting due to the loss of mechanical advantage from moving the shifter pivot point. Midwest makes a great kit, and they are a great source for ZF parts too.

 

[Merlin76]

Are these even still available??? I would definitely be interested if I can get my hands on one still...

 

[72Quarterhorse]

Thanks JB, Found it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Short-Throw...Parts_Accessories&hash=item43bde3dadf&vxp=mtr

 

[hucklburry rev2]

http://www.midwesttrans.com/short_shifter.html

 

[Merlin76]

Awesome! Thanks guys, this may have to happen...

 

[Joker11]

Well, hell,
Now I want one just so I can be one of you guys!
It's just kind of fun to have goodies on your rig and people see it and comment.
Like "oh that's cool. I heard about those." Or "oh cool, i always wanted one but never got around to it."
I am not one to just jump on the bandwagon, but it might make under dash air a little easier?
I expected to have to bend the upper shifter anyways.
whoever is charging a grip of money for the upper shifter should have their peepee spanked.
So easy to just make one at home.
Sorry, i got sidetracked there a bit.

 

[Hurk]

I would like to know if you install the short throw kit will that eliminate the shifter from hitting the dash?

 

[DirtDonk]

Depending on the setup, the answer is most likely a yes.
If you can shift your trans now, and it's just barely hitting the dash (or your knuckles are) then yes, it should do the trick.
I haven't even checked it out yet (about to hit the link) but I've used quick-shift kits on lots of cars and trucks over the years and have always appreciated the shorter throw even when the existing throw wasn't that bad.

But if you're hitting the dash, you either need to bend the lever or shorten the shift throw.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Hah! Serendipity at it's finest. Just checked out the link and the aluminum casting looks exactly like my memory says the very first quick-shift kit I ever used looked. And that was on a '64 Corvair!

A bit simpler perhaps, but you can clearly see the family lineage.
Brought back some fun memories.

Paul

 

[Hozr]

Damn....thanks for spending MORE money!