As far as ZFs are concerned...

[masterbeavis]

Is there anything wrong with an earlier unit in comparison to a later one built say in the 90's? I know with autos, they are always being improved and updated. I found a "lower" mileage ZF out of an 87 and was wondering if it was any better or worse than the one I have out of the 93 that I already have, but probably has 350K on it. They are both 42 models according to the tags.

 

[6 Nebraska IDIs]

That 5spd out of the 87 is probably NOT a ZF5sp, its more than likely a Mitsubishi 5spd and if it is RUN! The easiest way to tell is by looking for the clutch slave. If you can see it on the outside of the bellhousing then its a ZF, if all you can see is a hose running into the bellhousing then like i said RUN!
The Mitsubishi transmissions SUCK. Dont even bother with it.
As far as I know there werent really any mechanical changes to any of the ZF5's, but there were seal upgrades as well as the top shifter boot.

 

[david85]

They never made a mitsu tranny for the V8 diesel so if it were that type it would not work anyway. But the ZF was first offered as an option in 1987.

 

[masterbeavis]

It looked and smelt like a ZF to me. I did not physically examine the tag from under the truck, but it looked close enough to a ZF to not arouse my suspicion.

 

[Mr_Roboto]

There was no other manual 5 speed for the diesel other than the ZF....

There were Mazda 5 speeds used with the gassers...

 

[BigRigTech]

I bought one from an 88, works great...Has about 285,000KM on it....Could use a synchro kit soon. My spare is a 1992 model.

 

[Joe Mc]

There is a big difference between the 2-wheel drive and the 4-wheel drive ZF.
Those are the only issues I have heard.

 

[BigRigTech]

What's the difference? I use a 2wd ZF in my truck with a divorced NP205 t-case.

 

[Andylad13]

i thought ZF5 came out in 88?

 

[Diesel JD]

No they had some t19 and some ZF 5 in 1987 all ZF5s in 88 on the manuals.

 

[david85]

IMO, 1987 with the 6.9L and the ZF tranny would be one of the all time best trucks you could find. Very rare, but they are out there. I say that even though I like the older body style.

1989 was when they replaced the C6 with the E4OD, but the C6 was still optional for a while after that. Its possible that the T19 was also still available after 1988 but not sure.

 

[Diesel JD]

I almost bought an 87 with a 6.9 and ZF, but someone bought it out from under me. I kinda like the t18/19 better but then the lack of overdrive sucks sometimes.