Transmission and Transfer Cases in Ford Fullsize trucks...

[Mtrhd0024]

did you say you wanted to keep the push button? If it were me and alot would agree get the man. shift trans case alot more dependable the less electronics the better when I whent to the beach i pulled out 2 chevys a trail blazer and a z71 tahoe both had push button 4x4 and both had failed half way down the beach if your gonna spend the money make it reliable but thats just my 2 cents

Yea I've heard a few things about this, but tbh in 18 years of use my grandfather has never had a problem with the system, and I like it so I'll probably keep it. The motors are the part prone to failing, and you can easily rebuild them, so I'll just pull the motor off, rebuild it, check the wires out, and fire it back together. If I have any problems though I'll definitly consider a swap! :xyxthumbs:

Most 1/2 ton atruck had the Mazda 5sp. Not much better than the T5 as far as strength. Also doesn't have a low first or reverse ratio.

The ZF is harder to find, but not impossible. Has a granny 1st, OD 5th, and a low ratio reverse. Very, very tough tranny. You won't break it with a 302.

Also seen lots of people use the NV3550 conversion. It is a 5spd, but doesn't have granny. It will take moderate abuse. Found in Jeep Wranglers.

The NV4500 is the 3550's big brother. Found behind the Dodge Cummins. Equivalent to the ZF.

Right, so its a ZF S5-42 that I'd want then. Everything I've just read about them say's their tough as nails, and the only complaint people have is that they can be noisy. They were put behind F Series trucks with a 351 from 92-97? So what transfer case could I use then? Does the BW-1356 t-case still fit on that tranny?

Somehow notching my frame to make a transfer case fit doesn't appeal to me too much. I've heard some people doing RBV V8 conversions have sucessfully modified the t-case and tranny flange, since they are both round, and then rotate the t-case down some so it doesn't hit the frame. That might be an option.

Are there any other tranny and t-case options out there? The ZF tranny does sound like a good choice if i can just find some t-case that'll work!

Thanks for ya'lls help!