Strongest transmission

I am looking to put a 5 speed in my current 51 F1 project and I have a T5 and a ZF S542. The T5 has been mocked up in the truck, but the ZF has the shifter in the correct location and the slave cylinder in the bellhousing so it would be a piece of cake to hook it up. All that aside, which one is stronger in stock form? I know you can get a stronger T5 or beef the one you have, but I am unsure of what can be done to the ZF. The only thing I have found is the ZF is rated for 420 Foot pounds of torque. Thanks!

JW

 

NV4500 out of 7.4 pickup

FL- That is a very cool swap and the $75 6.2 Diesel you scored is even cooler. I'm going to price out what it costs to do a NV4500 vs. 4L80E swap. I really would like to keep it a manual transmission.

2nd gear in the NV4500 is still deeper than 1st in the 4L80E... and overdrive is even more fuel economy friendly if only by a little. Decisions....

4L80E: 1st 2.48, 2nd 1.48, 3rd 1 to1, 4th .75

NV4500:
GM 93-94 95/up GM; 93/up Dodge
First Gear 6.34 5.61
Second Gear 3.44 3.04
Third Gear 1.71 1.67
Fourth Gear 1.00 1.00
Fifth Gear 0.73 0.73
Reverse 6.34 5.61



Specifications
Dry weight: 195 lbs.
Oil capacity: 1 gallon
Rated GVW: 14,500 lbs.
Case material: cast iron
Synchronizers: Carbon fiber composite
Main/Counter shaft bearings: Timken tapered roller


Dimensions
NV4500 GM (6.34) GM (5.61) Dodge Dodge HD
Main case 12.375" 12.375" 12.375" 12.375"
4WD Adapter Housing 8.125 8.125 6.25 6.25
2WD Tailhousing 6" Tailhousing 6" Tailhousing 13" Tailhousing 13" Tailhousing
Yoke Fixed Yoke Fixed Yoke 30 spl Slip yoke 31 spl Slip yoke
Input shaft stickout 6.625 6.625 7.625 7.625
Input shaft spline 1.125" 10spl 1.125" 10spl 1.125" 10spl 1.250" 10spl
Pilot Dia .590" .590" .750" .750"

 

The T5 at it's best was rated 330 lb/ftin the T5z from Ford Performance Parts. The best in OE form was something like 260 lb/ft.

This is the best T5 thead on the HAMB: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171291

 

Sorry Spiderville, I'm not sure what you are telling me. I forgot to mention, the truck is getting a 351 Windsor.

 

an NV4500 is a strong trans , but not too good for drag racing
at chevy , in the corvette , we could not get parts for the ZF 6 speed

 

This is a Ford question guys. Quit talking about the NV4500.

Johnny,
The ZF S542 is much stronger than T5. The ZF was used in F250's and F350's. It is a big truck transmission, much bigger physically then the T5. But you are putting it in a truck, so it may fit with a little tweaking. I used an M5R2 (lighter duty F150 trans) behind the 351W in my '51 F-1, but I looked seriously at the ZF when I was doing the swap. With even a decently built 351W, you are going to be at serious risk of grenading the T5. Hell, I am afraid of popping the M5R2 with a bit too much loud pedal.

Of course as already mentioned and if you got deep pockets, the TKO is a very good option.

 

what direction are you going with the truck will determine which trans you use. the T5 will work better as a performance oriented truck. better gear ratios and shifter feel for spirited driving. i have a world class t5 behind my 331 stroker and it is holding up just find even after multiple 1/4 mile passes. the zf is a work horse trans made to handle heavy vehicle wieght and towing. we have customers with 15,000lb trucks with 6.0l diesels with zf transmissions. so your f1 will never be able to break the zf.

 

I run the ZF in 2 of my trucks and both were converted to it by me. I think it's the smoothest shifting truck trans out there, and I am very happy with my choice. I installed a ZF in my early Scout along with a 460, I drive it as a daily driver. I run it with a 354 rear gear and find the gear spacing very good. For a heavy duty truck trans it's very light as it's all aluminum. Go with the ZF & you will have no regrets. Replace the hard plastic hydraulic line with stainless braided, I had mine made using the ends cut from the hard line.

I have to add - your putting a Ford into a Ford ? The Chevy guys on here will be offering a free mental exam.

 

I have to add - your putting a Ford into a Ford ? The Chevy guys on here will be offering a free mental exam.[/QUOTE]

You think thats bad, my T Roadster (avatar) has a 302 in it! I was thinking of using the truck to tow the roadster to events that were in bad weather, or very far, since I can't bring shit with me in the Roadster. But also drive it around and let the smoke out of the tires once in a while. It wont have any fancy rear suspension, so I'm guessing too much power will only mean more smoke, not scattered trans. Sounds like the ZF will work awesome. I'm still im mock up, so I can make sure it all fits now before I make everything permanent. As a side note, I have a 47 truck front axle and was not impressed with the choices for disc brake conversions, so I made my own using all Ford parts. I will probably do a tech article after I make sure it all works well, but cost is minimal.

JW