Meeh everything is expensive to work on regarding these type of transmissions for the most part its not going to break with the intended use. I am just looking 400hp and around 700-800ft/lb the ZF will handle that just fine. And I don't beat on anything I own so it will last forever.
The NV5600 is #150 so heavier (not really a problem other than install lol) and has its own issues never really like it or the NV4500.
Main thing that has me leaning to ZF, is there is an adapter for it on the shelf, DT to ZF. Yeah I could build an adapter for way cheaper, but in the end the times savings is worth it to bolt it together. I have driven my buddies DT360 ZF5 swapped early 90's F250. Its was stock power so little under powered.
And I am sure I could using a SAE adapter for other trans or MDT trans, that would work as well. But time again having to run everything down clutch wise and adapter wise. Vs just calling and getting everything a ZF adapter clutch all over the phone and it shows up at the shop. That's one thing I have learned over the years doing all kinds of engine/trans swap is the nickle and dime stuff add up. Not to mention running all over the place to find parts etc. Time to me is more important than money at this point, granted that doesn't mean I am not frugal.
Only reason I mentioned the MDT trans is its bolt on, and prices are cheaper relative from what I have found locally. Can get it all in one with a donor etc. And they are strong.
But that goes back to the shifting like a truck. That's all fun and games but gets old after awhile. The intended use is for long trips some while towing around 10-12k. It makes it WAY more comfortable to just get in an shift. If I wanted to shift like a "truck" I would have bought a MDT like a loadstar or S-line, but the ride is horrible. And given my intended GVW the Travelette is fine and is diffidently a head turner. Ride is pretty good when loaded not as refined as a late model stuff but differently not like a MDT.
But honestly haven't really decided so I appreciate the input thanks. I think the key for me is getting what I want trans wise and not be disappointed or end up swapping to something else later. So might just end up driving some ZF6 truck IE Furds and compare to driving a MDT manuals. Been a while since I drove either honestly.
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