98 Ford E350 question.

What is a ZF5?

My plan is to do this build as cheap as humanly possible. I am willing to put in as many hours as needed and then some if that can save me any cash.

My budget for the new drive train is 3 or 4 thousand, so......

Im seeing some trips to pic-N-pull in my future.
A 5 speed

E40Ds are expensive to rebuild so a popular swap is to a 5 speed because the clutch is about the only thing that ever goes on those.