Stock 5spd trans upgrades or direct swaps for 2.3 ranger

[Turbo2.3ranger]

Hey guys names anthony. This is my first post (my first time actually going and posting on a forum)i beleive im in the correct area if not please refer me to a better topic to post this thread please. Anyways into the meat.first off theres no bad idea lol, I have a 1986 ford Ranger 2wd with a 2.3 4cyl like bottom of the line model no headliner no a/c, manual brakes manual steering,thing did not even come with a radio from ford. But it has a 1988 thunderbird turbo coupe 2.3T engine swap and complete ecu swap the owner i bought it from did a very very clean job. It was his baby and now its mine i love it but it still has the stock tranny in it that i feel just is enough its got no guts first gear anyone have any ideas on what a good simple trans upgrade would a good swap. I have a t5 trans from that thunder bird that the guy gave me and i happen to have a t45 trans too from a buddy of mine but i really dont want to cut the floor and move cross member at this time maybe in future. But anyways anyone know of a direct fit/ minor modification needed trans swap or maybe upgrades i can do to the trans currently in it?

 

[Turbo2.3ranger]

Also i wont really be towing or hauling with it i would like to make it a sleeper it already is pretty quick compared to my subaru wrx i owned before. But it would at most carry firewood or furniture if need or an atv/motorcycle either by trailer or in truck bed and that would be occasional since i have buddies with squarebody K30s

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

If the trans is working but it has no oomph out of the hole then I would suggest changing gears. What gears do you have now? And what size tires? Probably 4:10 gears would work well if stockish size tires.

 

[racsan]

+1 on 4.10’s, nothing wakes up the 2.3 like deeper gearing. I went from 3.45 gears to the 4.10 and have been very happy with the results. I do hit the rev limiter at 81 with 225/70/15 tires. 3.73 isnt a bad choice either and might be a little better on fuel economy. Ive had 3.73’s before with the 2.3 and wanted to try the next ratio lower as I tow quite often.

 

[Dirtman]

I have 4.10s and 225/70r15s and my truck will happily cruise at 90...

 

[racsan]

mine misses like crazy at 81 but is ok at 80. not sure what rpm is since I dont have a tach. handling isnt great at high speeds so I usually dont open it up all that often. I just thought I was hitting a rpm limiter, with 235 75 15 it will do 85 but takes longer to get there, the 225 70’s just seem to overall work better.

 

[Dirtman]

I know the later trucks have actual speed limiters that cut the ignition out. They are usually set to almost 100 though.