Ford's ZF 6-speed trans positives/negatives?

[FATCAT]

What is known about Fords ZF 6-speed trans, connected to the 6. 0L?



Is their 6-speed as good as the 5600?



Does anyone know of major problems with this manual transmission (downshifting, clutchs, T. O. bearings, etc... ).



Reasons I as is that it is becoming ever more apparent that DC will not produce a truck above the 3500 level in 4X4. With this in mind it looks more likely that I will have to look at a F550 PS 6-speed next summer/fall 2005. Payload capacity is the key with a dump body and DC is not even in the game.



I want to know what potential problems could occur with this transmission, what to look out for, what upgrades might be needed to stave off protential problems.



Its too bad that DC will not provide a product that many loyal DC customers have been requesting ... but wishing for a 5500 will not make it happen.

 

[swexlin]

My ZF-6 was terrific (01 F350 PSD). A little notchy, but very sturdy.



It's Ford's POS plastic master/slave cylinder in the clutch pedal these trucks which is the weak link. Bean counters at work.



Go over to The Diesel Stop, and do a search on master/slave in the 7. 3 forum. You'll see what I mean.

 

[fj40charles]

ZF6 trannsy are not as durable as the NV5600. See this thread. .

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=236532

 

[XcumminsX]

You should be worried about the 6. 0L Seems like people are STILL... having problems with them. .



Nick

 

[FATCAT]

Originally posted by Nick Sommer

You should be worried about the 6. 0L Seems like people are STILL... having problems with them. .



Nick

Your right, but I would hope that most of the problems would be engineered out, in the next 16 months.



It just seems you can't buy what you want anymore.



I know that the Cummins and 5600 in a F550 would be perfect, but it will never happen.



Only other option would be a 2X4 small International/FL or something like that. Then I would have to be careful where you go with the truck so as to avoid getting it stuck and forget about going out in the snow for/with wood deliveries (for example). And not to mention insurance and inspection costs with something close to 26K.



But we all have to make compromises ... its just too bad Bean Counters rule the Auto companies.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Wasn't DC planning on making a 4500/5500 series truck starting in model year '05?



Some of the folks that work @ dealerships have commented here on the TDR that they received memos to that effect...



Matt

 

[FATCAT]

Originally posted by HoleshotHolset

Wasn't DC planning on making a 4500/5500 series truck starting in model year '05?



Some of the folks that work @ dealerships have commented here on the TDR that they received memos to that effect...



Matt

If only it were true. I believe that I will see monkeys fly out of

Hillery Klintons A$$ before DC makes a 5500 4X4 Cummins.

 

[klenger]

If only it were true. I believe that I will see monkeys fly out of Hillery Klintons A$$ before DC makes a 5500 4X4 Cummins.

Based on that quote, I can't wait for the DC 5500 to come out.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

What about this thread... ?



After reading that thread... it seems like the HD trucks will become a reality in the not too distant future. '05, '06, '07 range...



Matt

 

[Sageair]

The zf is a good transmission. I put 185,000 miles on one in a 99 f350 7. 3 The truck weighed 13,500 lbs every day and towed alot more at times. It spemt alot of time offroad and worked well. My new work truck is a 6. 0 psd with the zf. I absoloutely hate the lack of low end power with this setup. It is the poorest mating of engine and transmission I have ever experienced. This new work truck weighs 10,000 lbs and I cannot start out in first gear ever. I have to use low every time. If it's much of a hill or I'm towing, low range is needed to get moving. This thing is like trying to tow with a freakin Kawasaki Ninja. Ps I don't care for it much.

 

[Blakers]

Why not move up to the F-600 and get the Cummins? I wonder what transmission is offered in that combo?

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

Id get the 550 and not worry about it. It will probably work quite well for what you need. Ive seen a few around here and they are good trucks. I havent seen one with the 6. 0 yet. Can you get the 550 with the torqueshift. I would test drive a few sticks before I bought one. Drive it in as many possible conditions to get a feel for the low end torque.



The torqueshift is excellent thus far. If you could get one. I dont think you would be dissapointed.



I bet you could still find one with the last year 7. 3. They tended to linger a bit longer on the lots. Not as big of a demand for the 550s. The last year 7. 3 had some very good torque and hp ratings. Might be worth looking into. I havent heard anything bad about the 03 7. 3s. Only downside is no torqueshift. They had most the bugs out of the old transmission by then though.



I myself feel that dc wont be ready in the fall. Also I wouldnt buy a first year of anything. They have em in mexico right? So as long as it comes from the same factory it should be alright. If they change it. I wouldnt touch one.

 

[nickleinonen]

Only downside is no torqueshift

not a downside at all when you are looking for a manual shift...

 

[FATCAT]

Originally posted by Big_Daddy_T

Id get the 550 and not worry about it. It will probably work quite well for what you need. Ive seen a few around here and they are good trucks. I havent seen one with the 6. 0 yet. Can you get the 550 with the torqueshift. I would test drive a few sticks before I bought one. Drive it in as many possible conditions to get a feel for the low end torque.



The torqueshift is excellent thus far. If you could get one. I dont think you would be dissapointed.

The low end torque problem seems disturbing. As for the Torqueshift ... I will NEVER PURCHASE an automatic transmission anything, especially in a truck.



Hopfully if I go the F550 route next year, the ZF will be upgraded and/or the 6. 0 will have the bugs out.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I have a friend that tows heavy with his 350 PS and has yet to have a ZF 6 speed make it past 37,000 miles! Seems as though the transmission case flexes and takes the mainshaft bearings out. He is now the owner of a new Dmax Allison because of the letdown of the ZF ford.