Craig, Excellent info...Thanks !
I will be searching for a ZF-S542 ( 2 wheel drive) in the near future. How do you identify whether its a close or wide ratio ? Is the a data plate
Paul - the close ratios only came on the diesel trans, the small block ones like the one you need only came with the wide ratio gear set. So get one from behind a 300 six, 302 or 351 and it will be a wide ratio. The S5-42 came in the small block trucks in model years 1988,89,92,94 and 94 1/2. The S5-47 came in model year 1996 and 97. The data plate will show the ZF model no, S5-42 or S5-47, the Ford part number, the 1st and 5th ratios and some other stuff. The Ford part no. you want for the small block will begin with E8TA, E9TA, F2TA, or F4TA for the S5-42 which designates year 88,89,92 or 94 respectively. The S5-47 will have a Ford number beginning with F6TA. The small block data plate will also show 5.72 - 0.76 for the 1st and 5th ratios.
Steve