How good are this transmissions if well serviced (in miles)? Is it possible for the diy to rebuild one of this at home? How much does it cost to rebuild them? What are the best model year's?

I have a zf-5 s42 in My truck and I'm considering if I should keep it when I put the cummins or replace it. I know the zf is not recommended to rebuild at home but I wonder if that is the case with the gr.
Any other options to put behind the cummins with this capabilities?

The goal for Me here is something cheap, cheap parts and that I can rebuild Myself if necessary.

Thank You.

 

Zeke, teh Getrag is a pretty solid tranny by all accounts, the only weak point is that the original specs for filling them were low, and they ned to be overfilled a bit to function as well as they should.
Ask Wannadiesel about how much torque he is putting thru a getrag...
I know several peopel on here have rebuilt theirs in teh garage, and parts are out there, but I hve not done it.
I am sure one of the guys who has rebuilt his will chime in with more info for you

 

It's going to be cheaper and easier to adapt the zf to the Cummins, IMO.

 

Thank You for the info guys, I like the zf but I'd like to know of the possibilities with the getrag and if there is something better that still can be rebuild for cheap then that too.

Come on guys 52 views and only two answers???? I little help here

 

getrag is easily rebuildable. I opened mine up to replace the input shaft and inpected the rest and buttoned it back up with the proper preload. Check my previous postings ala Mysteryman et al to see all the info on the Getrag 5sp. We love them.

 

I didn't get, there is only one thread You posted about swaping a 2x4 getrag, is that the one You say?

Thank You.

 

The getrag can be rebuilt cheap and easy as long as the gears and needle bearing are good. If you tear them up the cost goes up real fast.

The rebuild is easy for the most part, I tore mine apart in the garage at home and reasembled on the coffee table in my college appartment.

 

Here you go https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ad.php?t=94196

I on page 3 and 5 I think I've posted some tech info from Terry (retired chrysler engineer that put the cummins in the 1st gen dodge) that you should study about getrag rebuilding.
Also if you want specific info about my experience let me know. However, I went from auto 727 2x4 to Getrag 5sp 2x4.

 

The big deal breaker on this is---Is your truck 2WD, or 4WD ??

If 2WD, it is no big deal to swap in a Cummins/Getrag combination, actually much easier than trying to keep the ZF.

If the truck is 4WD, then that brings on a whole sack-full of new problems, best fixed with a Cummins/ZF adapter plate.


With a 4WD truck, the absolute best option is to install a NP205 DIVORCED transfer-case.

With a DIVORCED transfer-case, all future engine swaps become simply a small task of making a short jack-shaft adapter, between whatever transmission you hang in there and the t-case.


If the truck is indeed 4WD, there is also another option. --- REMOVE the existing transmission/transfer-case, and install the Cummins/Getrag in there in 2WD fashion; then, you can take your sweet old time and gather up whatever is needed to put it back to 4WD.

This last option, although not the usual method of doing things, actually breaks down the process into more manageable/affordable steps.

 

Is the truck in My signature.


Thank You.

 

It's a no-brainer then, use the Getrag. If it's overfilled and you don't lug it the thing will run a long time.

 

How did I not see that when I looked ??

 

Getrag is easily rebuildable. I have done 3 or 4, and have had no issues in any of them. Just stay a little to the looser side than too tight when setting your preload on the mainshaft. Bearings, synchros, and seals run $200 or less. I think I got an input shaft thrown into the mix and it was around $300. Could be higher now, as this was a year and a half ago.

DOnt know much about the ZF trannies, other than they never had a torque monster from the factory in front of them.

Daniel

 

Thank You very good thread to read.

The zf is really nice but I know rebuilding it can be difficult with out the proper tools and I don't know how well it will hold behind the cummins after I set it for 300+hp. If I go that way I need an adapter plate new fw clutch and pressure plate that will run another $500+.

Now the getrag comes ready to bolt on the C and can be rebuild at home, some of You mention it does have issues but if addressed there should be no worries. This is not a problem with the zf but again I don't want it if it will be weak when I start towing.

Does anyone have the rating # for this trannys? hp/tq.

Thank You.

 

Back in 1987, a friend that I trucked cattle cross-country with, bought a new 87 F-350 w/6.9 and ZF 5-speed.

I had the 85 F-350, 6.9, and T-19 4-speed.

Pulling BIG comparable size cattle-trailers, on long distance hauls, he had at least two ZFs completely lay down on him; whereas, my old 4-speed T19 never has had a screw taken out of it, and was still good to go when I swapped in the Cummins/Getrag.

Just from the experiences that he had with various ZF-5s, I kinda got the impression that they are a little on the weak side, for extreme-duty use.


If you haven't already got your Cummins, just buy a 2wd 5-speed Dodge and everything you need will be right there.