ZF 5 Speed Questions

shr3dd3r 09 · Jan 2, 2014

So my Ranger currently has a 5.0L V8 in it and an M5ODR2 5 speed with BW4406 T-case. It is a 2000 Ranger XLT 4X4 regular cab.

I am doing a complete tear down and rebuild of the truck and I am considering going with a ZF instead of the M5R2 for extra strength.

What vehicles came with a ZF that will bolt to the 5.0?

Same clutch, slave, 164 tooth flywheel as the M5R2?

Are the hydraulic lines the same?

In other words.... is this an easy swap that will mate up with my BW4406 T-case?

Is a body lift required for this swap? If so, how much?

Shifter in about the same place coming up through the floor?

Thanks.

shr3dd3r 09 · Jan 2, 2014

If anyone knows the difference in dimensions between the ZF and M5R2 (height, length, width at widest point, etc.) please let me know.

Hagan · Jan 2, 2014

4.9, 5.0, 5.8 are sbf ford pattern and will work with the 5.0. Only trucks came with zfs. Check out my thread in v8 engine swaps. The zf will not fit without body work. Its a huge trans

shr3dd3r 09 · Jan 2, 2014

Looks to me like I may just rebuild my M5R2. The 5.0 I have is mostly stock, the only aftermarket mods that may or may not have given it more power are a new exhaust system and possibly torque monster headers in the future.

In any case I doubt it's going to make over 300 lb.ft of torque on a good day. I think the M5R2 will hold up, especially in a truck that is well over 600 pounds lighter than the f-150 it came from.

brinker88 · Jan 2, 2014

I run an M5R2 in my 5.0 F150 as a DD. I love that little transmission.

projectnitemare · Jan 2, 2014

Unless you are set on putting one in I'd advise against it, especially if it's a DD type truck. The ZF is physically massive, you need a 3 inch bodylift or will need to cut out a good chunk of floor and firewall. They are a tight fit in a fullsize. The bottom if the shift tower is almost as high as the bellhousing for a reference. Not sure if you can use the same clutch but I would think so. All your existing hydraulic lines would work and it uses the same t-case pattern, legnth is the same as well. If you are after brute stregnth build up an automatic.

bobbywalter · Jan 2, 2014

shr3dd3r 09 said:
Looks to me like I may just rebuild my M5R2. The 5.0 I have is mostly stock, the only aftermarket mods that may or may not have given it more power are a new exhaust system and possibly torque monster headers in the future.

In any case I doubt it's going to make over 300 lb.ft of torque on a good day. I think the M5R2 will hold up, especially in a truck that is well over 600 pounds lighter than the f-150 it came from.

pretty easy to get 300 ft out of a 302.

locating a good zf for a decent price....well thats hard to do.

like you sayin...the r2 is pretty good for mild power no matter what.

shr3dd3r 09 · Jan 2, 2014

Considering they put the M5R2 behind the f-150 with the 4.6L that makes 220hp and 290 lb.ft of torque, it should do fine in my very much lighter ranger with the 5.0L rated at 215hp and 280 lb.ft.

Hagan · Jan 2, 2014

I will be putting a zf5 in my Ranger once I finish rebuilding my 302. I'm shooting for 300rwhp. I'm going with aluminum heads. I want the low 1st gear. In my opinion a zf5 is a truck trans and an m5od is a car trans.

I will not be running a body lift, just lots of cutting!

Sounds like the m5od is what you should stick with.

RangerSVT · Jan 2, 2014

Not really much related, but ive got a 351w and ZF from my 90 F350 going into my 77 bronco for a temporary drivetrain. Mainly for the low first gear.
It is a big tranny, but like all swaps it can be made to fit. If you go with it, mark where your block to bellhousing location is now, and with the drivetrain removed, raise the ZF from the bottom til it hits, then mark and cut til it at the height you need it...

SVT

Captain Ledd · Jan 6, 2014

Hagan said:
In my opinion a zf5 is a truck trans and an m5od is a car trans.

There's two types of M5OD, the R1 and R2. Yes I know, subtle naming difference, but COMPLETELY different transmissions.

ZF 5 Speed Questions

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