Ranger trans in a Capri

billyballer · May 29, 2009

Hey all I have a '74 Capri budget race car with a 2.8 V6. We just grenaded the 4 speed in the last race and I'm looking to up grade to something that shifts better (the old gear box was hoopty external linkage). Since rangers are plentiful in local junkyards does anyone know if a 5 speed Ranger box would swap in easily. I know the T5 is an option for swapping as well but they are a little harder to come by so I thought a V6 2wd 5 speed ranger would do the trick nicely.

-Bill

Sasquatch_Ryda · May 29, 2009

A 2wd trans from a 4.0L OHV, 2.9L, or 2.8L should all bolt right up, the 3.0L has a different bell housing and won't bolt up.

AllanD · May 30, 2009

you really don't want to mess wiht the trans from a 2.8 or
most 2.9 transmissions

the trans you want to find is the M5OD-R1 "MAzda" trans that is code "M"
on '88-92 2.9's

OR the code M trans from a 4.0 powered Ranger or Explorer.

Either of thes is a direct bolt up to your 2.8 engine.

However you'll probably want to switch op to a later flywheel.

Typically the pilot bearing is mounted in the crank on early 2.8 engines
but on the 2.9 and 4.0 engines (and incidentally the 2.8 engines for 1985 only)
the pilot bearing is mounted in the center of the flywheel.

You really don't have a choice because the pilot "snout" on the later transmission
input shaft is shorter and only reaches to the flywheel mount position.

Additionally the 4.0 flywheel is heavier but also uses a 10" diameter clutch.
It does however require a different (permenant magnet type "mini") starter.

The 4.0 manual trans Mini starter is unique to the 4.0 with a manual trans.

The 4.0 Auto trans "mini" starter will work with ALL 2.9 flywheels.

You might find shifter position a bit less than "convenient"
but with a Hurst Billet plus shifter you can play lever games until you find something that'll make you happy....

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Ranger trans in a Capri

billyballer

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Sasquatch_Ryda

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AllanD

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