Just as it says. Looking to swap out the ol t-18 4 speed for a 5. I know there's quite a bit to it but I'm good with that. I just want to know the differences between the two transmissions...if anyone knows. I was under the impression the zf was a heavier built but I don't have any experience with the 5s to know. Thanks for any input.

 

from what I've been told the zf is stronger and has lower gears then the m5od

 

The ZF is better, but I don't have a problem with my M5OD. Swapped it in to replace my TOD 4 speed.

 

the ZF is stronger and a little bigger... they came mostly in F250's and up... they have a lower 1st and reverse gearing... if you back up alot or with a load or a trailer it is the preferred tranny...

the M5OD is a good tranny but make sure if you plan to go this route get one after 1992... the pre-92 are weaker and the shift forks wear and break easy... the 92 and newer seamed to have this problem fixed...

I have the M5OD in my truck and with 3.08 gears its ok... it has quirks but it works... I got my truck with 79,000 miles and the tranny was gritty... changed the fluid and it helped.

Mine also will not go into 2nd gear when cold...it just refuses... I can sometimes get it in by not using the clutch and it just falls in but other times it will not.

there is a time between cold and hot that you can shift without the clutch and its like butter... I mean it goes in so easy its unbelievable...


you cant shift without the clutch when its warm as it just doesnt go...at least mine wont...

 

M5od in my brothers truck..you can shift without the clutch most of the time. If you revmatch it but sometimes it just won't do it.

 

Good deal that's what I wanted to know. The zf is tough to come by but I found one on cl out of a 96 for 50 bucks. It needs some work but I planned on rebuilding it anyway. For 50 I don't think I can go wrong. Only bad part is the guy doesn't think he has the shifter. Sposed to look for it today, but I think either way I'll buy it. Any of you know if the cross member 4 speed in an 89 will work with that? Also I know these take ATF for oil...anyone know if there's a syn oil you can run in them? ATF isn't the best at handling heat.

 

Found an m5od on cl....forgot to put that in.

 

My 4 speed crossmember was different, but I had the TOD.

 

The crossmembers should be the same if not u can make it work by making ur own holes I've done it bafer and havnt had a problem

 

Picked up the trans today...not sure what exactly it is, here's the only numbers I found on it...

F1TA
GC
C371047

Light surface rust on a couple of the gears, nothin bad. Needs bearings and one fork is completely wore out. I take it these have the throw out bearing slave cyl combo?