ZF-2 Input shaft (got it)

Just curious what happened to the old one?

I bought it used and never had it in a car.  The best we can tell, someone put a huge load on the nose (part reaching out of the case) and bent it.  Almost unnoticeable.  Fortunately, after having it rebuilt, I added oil and turned the hubs (right name?) to distribute the oil.  I noticed a very slight wobble of the shaft, but enough to probably destroy an engine.

Still need a ZF input shaft is anyone has a good one they can part with.

Sounds like the 160-lb box was dropped on its nose. At $2500 (NOS), it might be economic to check with a race shop to see if they could correct (and guarantee it!) for less. Not sure how the hardening is done and I wouldn't try cold-bending it. Sometimes small gear shaft sections are hardened all the way thru which makes them brittle at the transition in sizes. 

What might work at home for poor boys is to chuck it up in a lathe and grind the nose true, then forever after, use a custom ID pilot bushing on that shaft. There really isn't much side force on the nose while running so it should be OK if the bellhousing and block are square. Not for racing, though.

I need a blank, slight bend will be fine. I may have one available. Are you doing the removal of the old one? 

Hi Kirk,

   It is at Lloyd Bufoy's shop, I assume Lloyd removed it. 

What do you want for it ? I need to talk to Lloyd next week.

Negotiable, do you have a good one?

Guess you should talk to Lloyd and find out if you can use it. 

It's pretty common to retreat and straighten a splined shaft.

That is what I also thought, it's maybe 1/8 inch or less at the nose and I know cams and crankshaft are straightened.  Lloyd Butfoy has the parts and was looking into that, and said he couldn't find anyone who could do it.  Do you know a shop that specialized in that?

  I think you may try to find someone close by so you can go down there.  They will have to evaluate it before they make any promises.  Good luck w it!...

http://www.superiorheattreat.c...spline-products.html

Still looking for an input shaft

Still looking for the input shaft.

A few minutes on Google with the phrase 'straightening gears and shafts' yielded multiple hits for shops all over the country that regularly straighten gear shafts. I know nothing of any of them, but they ARE available.

The very first question will probably be, 'what kind of steel is it?'  ZF made their own gears in Germany, and when Ford critiqued the tranny back in the GT-40 days, they tested the parts and found ZF's steel was better than what Ford was selling in their own transmissions.

Still need a input shaft.

Pantera Parts Connection has a couple. Call Larry- as I  said, they are expensive.

Thanks.  May be able to get one for nearly half Larry's price so not rushing.

Les Gray came through for a very fair price and had the matching 1st gear that I didn't even know I should want.  Thanks Les!