m50d-r1 trans on 302?

[tandangerranger]

I am going to be putting a 302 from an early 80's mustang in my 94' ranger 4x4. I noticed that they make an adapter to mount my m50d-r1 trans to the 302. I know it is not recomended because of torque, but would it hold up under normal driving conditions? I don't want to have to find a new trans and trans case setup at this point. That will be in my future plans when I have the time and money.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

You're going to hate me, but I wouldn't do it. The torque would twist it up quick. You'll need a really good clutch. And if you drive it easy so it lives... then whats the point of upgrading from a 4.0L to a 5.0L? 4X4 F150s with a 300ci sixxer or some 302ci V8s came with an M5OD-R2. This will bolt to your 5.0L and should provide more security-but they're still not bullet proof.

 

[tandangerranger]

I supose I should find a m50d-r2 then. Everyone I ask tells me that same thing. I am just a little stubborn I guess. As for the normal driving, I just meant anything other than racing. Thanks.

 

[Ozwynn]

I noticed that they make an adapter to mount my m50d-r1 trans to the 302. I know it is not recomended because of torque, but would it hold up under normal driving conditions? I don't want to have to find a new trans and trans case setup at this point. That will be in my future plans when I have the time and money.

yeah ..... thats not a good Idea ........ M5ODr2 much better choice.

 

[baddad457]

I supose I should find a m50d-r2 then. Everyone I ask tells me that same thing. I am just a little stubborn I guess. As for the normal driving, I just meant anything other than racing. Thanks.

You can go ahead and do it. But..................................in the end, you'll have spent the money for the adapter and clutch to use it, then at some point in time, you WILL break the R1. Then you'll be either looking for another to replace it, or buying the correct transmission that will handle the V8's torque. It's your time and money.

 

[V8 Level II]

I agree that the R1 would be a mistake behind a 302. The R2 would be adequate if driven sensibly with a mild 5.0L.

If you do decide to go with the R2, there are a couple more things to think about.

1) The R2 4x4 trans has a six bolt flange on the extension housing and a larger output shaft that will not bolt to a Ranger t-case. A full size t-case like a BW1356, 4406 or 4407 will bolt up to the R2 but would require altered driveshaft lengths front and rear and might have clearance issues at the driver side frame rail and/or fuel tank.

2) The 96 and earlier R2 that was used in F150/250/Bronco 4.9/5.0 has a shifter stub position that is several inches forward of where the factory Ranger shifter lives. Not ideal.

The 97~03 R2 used behind the 4.2L V6 in the F150 would have a much better shifter position in a Ranger. It also has the same bellhousing pattern as a 4.9/5.0/5.8 but the metric-sized holes need to be drilled very slightly to allow the 7/16-14 small block bolts to pass through. An easy 2 minute mod.

 

[ashleyroachclip]

So will the Ranger transfer case fit the 97-03 R2 ?

 

[Teddyzee]

1) The R2 4x4 trans has a six bolt flange on the extension housing and a larger output shaft that will not bolt to a Ranger t-case. There is no adapter available for this trans/t-case combination.

So will the Ranger transfer case fit the 97-03 R2 ?

No one said that.