Need Advice on Tranny

Anezangl · Aug 15, 2009

My 1994 Ranger, extended cab, 4 x 4, 5 speed manual behind a 4.0L V6. It blew the 4th (fourth) transmission a couple months ago. Its been setting in the driveway waiting on me to stop being mad at it.

Well I am finally just about ready to forgive and forget and try one more time. Each tranny has lasted about 2 years on average. I have bought "rebuilt" trannys from all over the price spectrum, from a few hundred to over a thousand and they all have about the same life span. I am not hard on the truck, it is only my daily driver to and from work, round trip of 12 miles. I have never even used the 4 wheel option.
The question I have is this, from reading on this forum for a couple years and from other sources it appears that the M50D-R1 is my only "bolt up" option. BUT this tranny apparently can not take the extreme abuse I give it! :icon_confused:

so...................is there another option other than brand new? The truck is in great shape but the price for a brand new transmission is much higher than the trucks value. Thanks!

4x4junkie · Aug 15, 2009

Something isn't right if it's only lasting 2 years...That transmission generally should last the life of the truck if it's taken care of..
Are you towing a heavy load in Overdrive? Using the proper lubricant? (Mercon ATF)?
What size are the tires on it, and what is the axle gear ratio?

As for bolt-in options, the M5OD is the best of what's available that fits.

Anezangl · Aug 17, 2009

Thanks for the response Junkie. The truck is factory stock all the way around, factory wheels and tire size, nothing has ever been changed. Yes on the Mercon ATF liquids! I only recall towing w/ it one time about 8 years ago, towed a airboat about 3 miles for a friend. Can any of you people recommend a transmission supplier that you feel does good work? Thanks........

4x4junkie · Aug 17, 2009

Anezangl said:
The truck is factory stock all the way around, factory wheels and tire size, nothing has ever been changed.

Unfortunately this includes some rather non-ideal combinations, and is why I asked.
Ford put 3.27 axle gears on some trucks, which IMO is a bit much for the transmissions to handle (not to mention hurts fuel economy by not allowing the engine to reach optimal RPM). If you happen to have the 3.27 axle ratio, a switch to 3.73 or 4.10 would take much of the load off that transmission.
Another idea (if you haven't done this) is to change the fluid after 500 miles or so to remove any solid particles that normally collect in the fluid as the transmission is breaking in.

So far I've had decent luck just getting used transmissions from junkyards or private parties that are in good shape with fairly low miles (you'll want to check them over for smooth operation and that there's no excess play on the input shaft, indicating wear).
Sorry, I don't know offhand of any good transmission rebuilders, although I'm sure there are some out there. I'll let others chime in on that.

Need Advice on Tranny

Anezangl

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4x4junkie

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Anezangl

New Member

4x4junkie

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