Anyone put a M50D R2 with 302 in a ranger

gobe · Feb 9, 2008

Hello, I have recently started a v8 Ranger swap, I have a 302 EFI that is
now ready for install in my 92 2wd ranger. I have been trying to
decide on a manual trans for my Ranger, I like the format of the
M5od R2 (f-150 2wd five speed). My pickup was orginaly a 2wd 2.3L
manual. So the M5od require less modifing due to hydrolic clutch and
the same nuetral safty switch, speed sensor(vss). I am not sure on
clearance issues due with trans due to larger truck 163 tooth flywheel.
I am useing a dual sump oil pan and would like to know if anyone has
put this trans and setup with 302 in a 2wd ranger. (best motor mount
setup to utilize front engine compartment space for belt driven fan and
radiator tucked under support). I have been thinking if trying a
87-93 covertable mustang mount that has a stud on bottom of mount
that would alow me to locate engine in best space possibe by drilling
holes in frame for studs. Can anyone give me some idea's , or has anyone
put this setup in a ranger before? :stirthepot:

Thanks,
Gobe

projectnitemare · Feb 10, 2008

The transmission will fit without too many problems. Where you will find issues is with the shifter. It will come out close to the dash, you can fix that by cutting the shifter and rewelding it at a better angle. My question is with a 2wd truck why use a truck transmission. That will take all the sporty factor out of it. If you have a 2wd in my opinion for a 5 speed the T5 is the way to go. You can convert the T5 to use a hydraulic slave and the NSS and VSS are really an issue.

Matt

gobe · Feb 10, 2008

The reason for the truck trans is it's FREE. I have thought about the
t5 but the free thing keeps getting me. I may switch to a t5 down the road
but when i was looking for the aftermarket slave I was having problems
finding it. I have a t5 50oz flywheel and a clutch. But finding a good
t5 for cheap doesn't seem to happen. Again my meaning of cheap is
the free thing. Another tech I work with has 2 t5's from his road race
car that both have the coutershaft munched off.

baddad457 · Feb 10, 2008

The M5OD2 from the 97-up 4.2 F150's has the shifter where the Ranger's do. Doesn't do you any good if you already have one though from the V8. Just passin it along. The Mustang 'vert mounts seem to be what most use, I used them in my 89. They work better if you bolt em down when you get the motor and transmission situated, then unbolt the motor, pull it out, drill two extra 3/8 holes thru the frame (there were these holes already in my mounts to use as a template) install bolts with lock nuts. Then make four 7/16"NC x 2" long studs from threaded rod and install these in the mount holes in the block. Drop the motor back in on the mounts and use 7/16" lock nuts on the studs. The studs are easier to align to the mount holes than trying to start bolts thru the holes to the block. The mounts tend to spread when you set the engine's weight on them. The backside of the frame under passenger side mount is a bitch to access too. I had to drop the pivot end of the left axle to gain access to the mount nut. That entailed removing the pivot bolt, and dropping the axle with a floor jack under it. With the mounts permanently bolted down and using studs, just makes life easier in motor changes.

gobe · Feb 10, 2008

Wow I guess i didn't know that a 4.2l was the same bell housing as
a 5.0l. So these 3/8 holes your drilling in the frame, are they for an adaptor
to set the engine back futher? I am guessing that you would remove the
orginal motor mount brackets and just bolt mount directly to frame..

baddad457 · Feb 10, 2008

No, just extra insurance that the mounts won't move around or work loose. I think I may have removed the non threaded stud from them too, Kinda hazy on that, :icon_confused:

it's been about 6 years now since I did the swap. Had 5 motor combos in it since

And two different transmissions. Three sets of headers............. Two fuel tanks............three rearends........... two sets of wheels and tires..................... These things are addictive............. :black_eye:

seryelle · Feb 28, 2008

so the 4.2L and 5.0L are same bolt pattern how about the 4.6

baddad457 · Feb 28, 2008

4.6 has a different bell pattern. A few of the first ones were the same as the Windsors.

V8RangerBoy · Feb 28, 2008

The 4.6 is entirely different than a 5.0 in just about every way. I believe the very, very first 4.6's had a pattern that could mate to the SB's (like baddad said), but that's it.

I have the M5OD, but it's in a 4WD rig. I definitely would have used the T5 if I was 2WD, just for the racey car factor. However, the M5OD can hold a helluva lot of power, and I've had alot of fun with mine. I had a slave fail it in at about 10,000 miles after the swap, but other than that no problems. I'd definitely recommend using it.

projectnitemare · Feb 29, 2008

I will disagree on the M5 holding lots of power. In a a Ranger you will do ok with a decently built V8 only due to the lighter weight of the Ranger. I know of many guys who killed the R2 with a stock 302 in F-150s and Broncos.

Matt

V8RangerBoy · Mar 1, 2008

I thought 400ft/lbs and 350hp was pretty decent for a light truck tranny like that! This summer we'll see if it'll take 480-500tq and 450hp when I turn the boost up.

matt32 · Apr 3, 2008

thats crazy that ur stock r1 holds up..im debating whether or not to try my stock m5odr1 for a while, see if it holds up, if it doesnt i have an m50dr2 layin around. Mine will be a 4x4 too.

Probably lookin at to get 240-280hp hopefully out of an '89 302 after some mods

Totalled · Apr 3, 2008

you won't be using an R1 with a V8...

88mudder · Apr 3, 2008

Totalled said:
you won't be using an R1 with a V8...

normal street driving, deffinetly will work. Weekend warrior offroader mild use, will work. Hardcore offroading, no no.

Totalled · Apr 3, 2008

88mudder said:
normal street driving, deffinetly will work. Weekend warrior offroader mild use, will work. Hardcore offroading, no no.

How do you plan on attaching an R1 to a V8?

Anyone put a M50D R2 with 302 in a ranger

New Member

New Member

New Member

Active Member

New Member

Active Member

New Member

Active Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Member & Vendor Upgrades

Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Amazon Deals