ZF Trans Swap...S542 vs S547

[FirstTimer67]

I’m considering a ZF swap and weighing all the options. The S542 seems to be more abundant because there are more model years but it sounds like the S547 has improved synchros and a stronger case design. I can see it being better for towing and hauling in a super duty but are those improvements really all that important for our application?

I have a junkyard S542 (with the 4x4 housing) potentially available to me a couple hundred miles away for about $200 but condition is unknown. Am I better off keeping an eye out for a S547 or should I jump on this one?

 

[Timmy390]

The 47 is the better transmission and are like Jen's teeth. I was looking for one but after doing some reading I decided I didn't need a ZF for my street rig that poses as an offroader. I decided on the M5OD-R2 as it shifts less like a big truck. There are two versions. I got the one with the shifter moved back so no interference issues with the dash. Not installed yet. Sitting in the shop waiting for me to order the BC ZF kit to install it

Tim

 

[bsquared]

I have a junkyard S542 (with the 4x4 housing) potentially available to me a couple hundred miles away for about $200 but condition is unknown. Am I better off keeping an eye out for a S547 or should I jump on this one?

Holy Smokes, if you can get a 4x4 ZF S542 for 200 locally, I would say that's a pretty good score! Good points on the 547 having better internals, but 200 is well below value for these 4x4's. Here's my swap a few years ago and a few from the recent EFI upgrade. Good luck on the swap and ask if questions.

You're gonna love the ZF! Cheers, B2

 

[Btempy]

Just make sure its right housing. Small block/big block. Only saying cause the only time i ever found a cheap ZF it was cause it was a big block/diesel. Like mentioned if you don't need a HD trans the M5od shifts way nicer. Both require really cutting into the floor and brace though. The m5od with the shifter located further back is from the 97+ (rounded body style). Also an AX15 requires little to no cutting. But $200 is a great deal!! I had to buy a whole truck truck to get my ZF-S542.

 

[FirstTimer67]

I checked and double checked the compatibility via vin codes for the truck it’s currently sitting in. Only thing I’m worried about at this point is damage or something unforeseen.

The comments about the M5OD have me thinking though. I don’t mind truck-like shifting so long as we’re talking passenger truck and not a Peterbilt but just how much difference can I expect in the feel? Shorter throw? Easier to get in/out of gear? The gear ratios do seem more practical for my application but I’m also going to be building up the 351W somewhat. I’m not trying to run any 1/4 miles, but solid throttle response is always nice to have.

Also, potentially strange question here but can the M5OD get started in first gear without any gas peddle? Eventually I’m going to have to give in to my girlfriend’s request to drive this thing and I feel like it would be easier for her if she can get it going by just balancing brake and clutch rather than worry about the throttle.

 

[Btempy]

Hard to explain, other then it feels like you're driving a truck rather then a sports car. If I didn't need the added strength of the ZF behind a diesel I would've definitely went with a nv3550 or an AX-15 as they pretty much bolt in and don't add much to driveline length. With a ZF5 my front and rear driveshafts are the same length.

Not sure on the 1st gear question, ZF in 1st 100%. With ZF or NV4500 I hardly ever use 1st unless in traffic, on grade, or towing. For the clutch's sake id make sure she knows how to drive a manual properly but can it be done in M5od...probably.

 

[Bitch'nBronco]

I have the 42, 1st is really low, nice for hills but otherwise I start in 2nd. It still shifts like a truck, I pulled mine out of a 95 f250 with a 5.8. Nice cruising at 70 below 3k rpm!

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

 

[nvrstuk]

Want to shift like a large truck?? Install the ZF.

Want it to shift more like a Ranger? Install the M5.

I owned a ZF for over a dozen years. Liked it. Shifted like a truck. Probably put a 100K miles on it. I have driven a lot of trucks. Gear splits are terrible. Essentially a bigger split on the gears than the stock RUG/RAN 3 spd but with granny gear and an OD. If you like to lose a ton of rpm on each shift it's a soild trans.

IMO if you weren't going hard core wheeling or running 500+ ft lbs of torque I'd go with the M5 in a split second....