ZF5 vs T19 4x4

[Simp5782]

Ok so which one do you prefer? I currently run a T-19 in my 85 and I do alot of heavy towing. Grossing 25 - 40k 3 to 4x a day 5 - 6 days a week. Around 170miles round trip between job sites and scrap yards. I am going to update to an iron ceramic 12" puck clutch for a little extra grip and wear resistant for the heavy loads. I know the T-19 has a smaller input shaft than the ZF but its all cast iron and perhaps a little stronger for putting a 205 behind it rather than the 1356/208 and having to make extra mounts to support the 205 weight on the rear of the ZF. Which is actually stronger and more reliable? I know with the ZF you have to go to the SMF conversion, cause I dont think the DMF will hold very well with heavy loads constantly.

 

[crashnzuk]

If you like the way the truck works now, why change it? If you need the O/D, you will want the ZF I would think. I personally would find a trans with the lower first gear no matter which you decide to use or stick with. That high first gear sucks a nut when you aren't towing near as heavy as you do.
Travis..

 

[dyoung14]

The 4 speed is stronger and you cant tow that much in overdrive anyway

 

[icanfixall]

First off your towing way to heavy a load for your rig. Its not built for that heavy a load. Your brakes will not stop a 40,000 lb load in a panic stop safely. If someone got hurt while hauling a 40,000 lb load your going to get hell for it so.... I feel you should watch creefully whats going on around you. Just because you can "get the load going" down the road does not mean you can safely stop it. I agree with whats posted above about both the 4 sp and 5 sp trans setups. They both have good and bad points.. Wait around and see what other oppinions are posted. This will be interesting to read up on...

 

[subway]

in general the 4 speed is a stronger transmission and i would prefer that if i did not need the overdrive. they are a simpler cast iron transmission that can go many miles in tough conditions.

the 5 speed is no slouch but i think it is a small step down in strength. the overdrive is great though. they really should have given the 5 speed a lower 1st and reverse ratio in my opinion though. i don't tow that much but find myself dropping the transfer case in low range to help out with a load sometimes.

if i had the option to do it easily i would probably switch a gasser 5 speed and re drill the bell housing to get the better gearing (in my opinion).