Can I keep my stock 4 spd?

[geoph1986]

I have a 1983 Ranger 4X4, 2.8L, 4spd manual, BG 1350 t-case.
I want to put in a 4.0L to replace my tired 2.8. After a bunch of research, I've decided that I would prefer not to put an A4LD in it.
If I opt to keep a manual trans will my stock TK 4spd bolt to the 4.0L? And if it does will it be able to handle the extra power? What transmissions will allow me to keep my transfer case in the stock location? What other mods will I have to perform to use a different manual trans?
I know that these questions have been asked and asked again, but I can't seem to find the answers to my exact questions. thanks in advance.

[AllanD]

Will it bolt up? yeah.

will it survive? If you baby the hell out of it... mabey.... for a little while.

the '83-84 T-K and ALL TK4's are significantly weaker than the '85-87 TK5 transmissions.

And there is a HUGE difference in strength between the T-K and the '88-up Mazda bulit M5OD-R1 which is nomall used behind a 4.0

AD

[geoph1986]

I plan to get a complete donor vehicle, 1991-1994 either Ranger or Explorer, and pull the motor and transmission.
Will the motor and trans bolt up to my t-case without having to relocate it (thus saving me from custom driveshafts)? Is the A4LD really that bad of a trans? This truck will mainly see highway driving, snow, and some trails. I'm not needing an all out extreme 4X4 (right now), just something that will replace my tired motor.
I've also decided to put the donor dash in my truck c/w all wiring. This should make my install all plug and play.

[1wicked88]

Yes a newer engine and trans combo will bolt to your t-case. That won't gurantee that your current driveshafts will fit but you won't need custom ones. Just measure what you need, go the the junkyard and a Ranger with the same wheel base should have the shafts you need. If you use a Ranger as a donor then you might be able to skip the junyard and use those shafts.

Matt

[geoph1986]

Thanks for the help.