How do y’all like to shift your ZF5’s?

ROCK HARVEY · May 5, 2022

To the OP: that “clunking” sound/feeling might be a worn out transmission mount allowing the tranny to bang around.

As for shifting habits, I’m one of those who starts in 2nd 90% of the time. I have 4.10’s and 1st just seems way too low, I’m shifting before I’m through the crosswalk. Isn’t 1st ratio in a C6 transmission 2.46:1? Second gear in my ZF5 is 2.37:1. It just feels like a more natural starting gear to me.

Jesus Freak · May 5, 2022

I got a 4:10, and a turbo IDI in my 86 Crew cab. But I do like to get it rolling in 1st before I almost immediately hit second. I run WMO, so my shifting is based on how big a cloud I want to make.

Nero · May 5, 2022

I have a crew cab with 4:10s I could start out in 2nd...but I have to slip the clutch more than I'd like to make it go, so I almost always start out in first. I also always use the pedal to shift, as it's difficult to shift a synchronous transmission where the synchros are in good shape.

To put it in perspective, I have my cdl and have no problem driving a non-synchro trans. Can't exactly float the gears in my truck. Can in my Samurai though, it's worn out to hell haha

TNBrett · May 6, 2022

I have 4.10’s, and I start out in 1st 90% of the time or more. I just don’t like slipping the clutch much. If I’m unloaded, I also don’t wind it out much. I’m into 2nd pretty quickly and if I’m taking off at a stoplight, I’m into 3rd about as I’m clearing the intersection. I usually only take off in second if I’m pointed down hill enough that the truck will start to roll on its own when I let off the brake. I never float my shifts. My ZF seems to really not like it, so I don’t. I had a ‘98 f150 at one point with the Mazda M5od transmission. That truck was fun to float the gears in. I often never used the clutch between 3,4,&5.

mexicanjoe · May 6, 2022

my '89 has a 4.14 granny and a 4.10 limited slip rear. I pull my 23 foot horse trailer and find no problem taking off in 2nd. That being said I prefer to take off in 1st due to the heavy oilfield traffic that sometimes makes crossing a road : hazardous. Do I wish I had a lower granny? yes , but are my needs met by the present set up? Pretty much. Until I find a wide ratio tranny and the clutch gives up, Ill keep what I got.

Laine D · May 6, 2022

I Always start in second unless I’m on a hill or have a trailer. 3.55’s by the way

How do y’all like to shift your ZF5’s?

ROCK HARVEY

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Jesus Freak

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Nero

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TNBrett

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mexicanjoe

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Laine D

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