Manual to Automatic Swap?

ammojkm · Sep 14, 2009

I've got a 95 3.0, 2WD, XLT, Super Cab with a Mazda M5OD-R1 5 speed. The transmission is getting grouchy and I see a rebuild in its future. After 20 years of driving a manual, I am ready to swap over to an automatic...especially with all of the stop-and-go in my daily commute.

Is there am "easy" transmission swap? I assume I could find a 95 with an auto and swap computer, harnesses, etc but I don't know if there is an option that would eliminate a bunch of harnesses work. Are there non-computer controlled options that will work? C4? Thanks!

ammojkm · Sep 14, 2009

I've looked at the interchange guide and do not see any 3.0 swaps listed for the transmissions. I've also looked and can't find any posts related to my wants. Based on the silence and deadends I am running into, should I assume that the only option I have is swapping a transmission, computer, and harness from a similar year into my 3.0 Ranger? :annoyed:

Psychopete · Sep 16, 2009

ammojkm said:
should I assume that the only option I have is swapping a transmission, computer, and harness from a similar year into my 3.0 Ranger?

Sounds like you are on the right track. I don't know a whole lot about that model year, but you will need the wiring that goes to the trans as well as the auto computer. Also the shifter linkages, and shifter or column. Might compare the lengths of the M5OD-R1 manual compared to the A4LD (drive shaft length). Overall people don't seem typically too happy with the performance of an automatic behind a 3.0L.

Pete

Natedog · Sep 16, 2009

ammojkm said:
I've looked at the interchange guide and do not see any 3.0 swaps listed for the transmissions. I've also looked and can't find any posts related to my wants. Based on the silence and deadends I am running into, should I assume that the only option I have is swapping a transmission, computer, and harness from a similar year into my 3.0 Ranger?

Correct. I killed four a4ld autotragic POS before I went to manual m5r1. I unwrapped my entire wiring harness and ripped out all the wires for automatic, added what I needed for the manual computer.

Same mileage but way better performance.

Psychopete said:
Sounds like you are on the right track. I don't know a whole lot about that model year, but you will need the wiring that goes to the trans as well as the auto computer. Also the shifter linkages, and shifter or column. Might compare the lengths of the M5OD-R1 manual compared to the A4LD (drive shaft length). Overall people don't seem typically too happy with the performance of an automatic behind a 3.0L.

Pete

Yep, and you'll need to add/remove a wire or two from the ECU to the engine/tranny harness and move one or two wires in the ECU plug.

ammojkm · Sep 22, 2009

Thanks to both of you for your response and input. :icon_cheers:

I had gathered that folks weren't satisfied with the A4LD transmissions due to durability. Beyond seeking simplicity in a swap, I was curious whether a C4 or other "reliable" auto transmission was an option because of the bad stuff I've read about the A4LD.

I have to admit...the 5 spd in my truck has been very good to me (can't say the same about the clutch) but I am really ready for a switch to an auto. I guess I have much to ponder...

Manual to Automatic Swap?

ammojkm

15+ Year Member

ammojkm

15+ Year Member

Psychopete

15+ Year Member

Natedog

15+ Year Member

ammojkm

15+ Year Member

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