ZF short throw shifter

[Bronco73]

This ZF isn't going into a bronco but I still thought I would share this awesome shifter. My son found this shifter for his F350 project. It's a beautiful made piece. The seller makes them and has option handles and other options. Diesels and Dirtbags.

 

[bigmuddy]

That's cool. There had been a company producing them when I was looking and they shortly stopped production. Good to know there is an outlet again for them.

 

[bigmuddy]

$450, dang they proud of it!

 

[DirtDonk]

That’s a long way from my first experience with a short throw shifter add-on.
Back in the 60s, you could buy one for your Corvair for about $12-$16 if I remember. Much simpler and more basic than the modern offerings for modern transmissions, but just as effective.
Included the aluminum spacer (probably cast) and a simple spud shaft that you attached to the end of the original shaft.
Changed the ratio nicely and made that awkward shifter much easier to use.
Probably costs $100 these days ha ha!

 

[nvrstuk]

Sure looks nice- what does this do? Maybe change the length of total movement the shifter knob has to move when shifting? The shift handle looks to be the same length so unless there's some cool magic done inside the fabbed alum "tower" pc, how is the throw any shorter- or is it not shorter but just has the alum tower pc? It's all covered with a boot so I'm looking for the advantage of this? Sometimes I miss the obvious.

I shortened mine & bent mine for ez access to get rid of the 24" throw, or whatever- it sure seemed like 2ft when trying to shift quickly in super deep snow or going up a sand dune.

Just curious is all... thanks.

 

[Bronco73]

$450, dang they proud of it!

It's all machined from billet aluminum.

 

[Bronco73]

Sure looks nice- what does this do? Maybe change the length of total movement the shifter knob has to move when shifting? The shift handle looks to be the same length so unless there's some cool magic done inside the fabbed alum "tower" pc, how is the throw any shorter- or is it not shorter but just has the alum tower pc? It's all covered with a boot so I'm looking for the advantage of this? Sometimes I miss the obvious.

I shortened mine & bent mine for ez access to get rid of the 24" throw, or whatever- it sure seemed like 2ft when trying to shift quickly in super deep snow or going up a sand dune.

Just curious is all... thanks.

Pretty sure it's all in the taller base morning the pivot point.

 

[DirtDonk]

Correct. There’s usually no change in the length of the shift arm, other than if necessary to put it back in the proper location for your hand once the taller base is installed.
It’s all inside, where the ratio is changed between the shift knob and the Business end down inside the transmission.
Essentially a longer distance between the pivot point and the part inside that moves the shift rods/forks.
It’s very simple, and quite effective.

 

[DirtDonk]

The Gear Banger can do the same thing, albeit in a different way, for the old NP435.

 

[bigmuddy]

It's all machined from billet aluminum.

Not knocking it, just was surprised at the cost.

 

[Bronco73]

Not knocking it, just was surprised at the cost.

I felt the same way when my son said he ordered it. Plus the fact he doesn't make a lot of money in the Marines. But I am very impressed with it.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I recently had a fab shop bend 2 pieces of 16x24" aluminum diamond plate for some ramps. Really basic, single bend. $200 each! Just pricing the diamond plate from the metal supplier was really expensive as well (forgot exactly, but I think it was over $200).
Now figure a good sized chink of aluminum blank, that is going to cost. Someone had to program that CNC to cut that out. Then there is the CNC time to actually cut that out. Add in some shifter arm rework. $450 isn't leaving much profit.

 

[nvrstuk]

Thanks

I was originally thinking that if it changed the pivot and then of course the length of the shift movement then why not just adapt one of Jack's Gear Bangers for shorter shift movements? Then the tower is back farther and you don't run into dash clearance issues either.

 

[DirtDonk]

Yep, should be able to make one work for the ZF as well.
But of course, it depends on the vehicle more than the transmission. For a Bronco, maybe no problem. But for a Super Duty, or other rig with tall sitting position, a bench seat, or console taking up space, you might need a full custom Gear Banger.
Which I guess is the whole point anyway!