V8 swap question

knoive · Jan 5, 2018

Hi,

I have a ford ranger 1997 4L 4x4 manual transmission.
I have buy a ford 302 injection engine

What I need to buy to put my transmission with the engine ?

Can I use the ranger alternator, power sterring and startor ?
If yes, what I would need to fits them ?

Thank you !

RonD · Jan 5, 2018

Welcome to TRS

No, you can't use any stock Ranger transmission with a V8, 5.0l/302, there are no adapter plates, because it would just be a bad idea

And no, most of the accessories, like alternator, will need to be from similar year of that 302 so brackets match and pulley alignment for the fan belt
Some might be adaptable but you would still need the 302 brackets

Have a look here: http://www.therangerstation.com/how-to/engines-fuel-systems/

There are a few V8 swap articles there.

Best, and usually cheapest, way to do a V8 swap into a Ranger is to buy a whole body damaged Explorer that has V8 engine, then you get 95% of the parts you will need, including engine, trans and computer with wiring harness

knoive · Jan 5, 2018

Thats what I was thinking.
So I am looking for geeting an M5OD-R2 transmission.
What I would use for the flywheel, clutch and pressure plate the one from the 302 engine ?

RangerFabWorks · Jan 5, 2018

knoive said:
Thats what I was thinking.
So I am looking for geeting an M5OD-R2 transmission.
What I would use for the flywheel, clutch and pressure plate the one from the 302 engine ?

Get all the parts for a 1996 f150 with the 5.0. This will give you the proper 164 tooth flywheel. A 11” clutch. The correct starter. And the proper slave cylinder.

knoive · Jan 6, 2018

Can I use the alternator, startor and power sterring pomp from my ranger ?

RangerFabWorks · Jan 6, 2018

knoive said:
Can I use the alternator, startor and power sterring pomp from my ranger ?

Alternator will work with the proper brackets. As will the power steering pump

Starter will not work. Need one that matches the m5r2. One for a f150 like I mentioned will be the one you need

knoive · Jan 8, 2018

blackwidow67 said:
Alternator will work with the proper brackets. As will the power steering pump

The proper bracket I will need to make them or a compagnie already make them ?

regards,

RangerFabWorks · Jan 8, 2018

Just need the correct brackets from the v8 you plan to use. Mustang brackets. And explorer brackets seem to be the ones most use.

V8 Level II · Jan 9, 2018

Neither Ranger nor V6 Explorer alternators will bolt up directly to the OE 5.0 Explorer FEAD mounts. For simplicity, Ex 5.0 brackets should use the Ex 5.0 alternator.

knoive · Jan 16, 2018

I can not find a good M5OD-R2 transmission where I live. What other good transmission I could use? I really want a manual transmission and if possible with the 4x4 ... What would you recommend me?

RonD · Jan 16, 2018

Find a M5OD-R2 with transfer case from a 4.2l V6 4x4, 1997 or newer,

Thats about it.

The older Borg Warner T18 or T19 were 4 speeds, no Overdrive
The 5.0l(302) were used up until about 1995

Look here to see what transmission were used with the 5.0l V8 before M5OD was the only one: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_F-Series_(eighth_generation)

The T19 was a syncro version of T18, so better choice, these do have detachable bell housings so are mix 'n match for engine size

fastpakr · Jan 16, 2018

Ron, what about the ZF transmissions Ford used? I don't know squat about size, shifter placement, etc... Just seem to remember that they used them behind the 5.0.

85_Ranger4x4 · Jan 16, 2018

fastpakr said:
Ron, what about the ZF transmissions Ford used? I don't know squat about size, shifter placement, etc... Just seem to remember that they used them behind the 5.0.

5.8 only and in F-250+ trucks. Same era truck as the 5.0 so the same cruddy shifter placement up in the firewall on a Ranger. And the trans is physically huge.

For like 1980/1 and later 302's with the 50oz imbalance you can use 1996 F-150 5.0/351 clutch stuff. For earlier with the 28oz imbalance you can use 1996 F-150 351/5.8 clutch stuff.

4x4 M5ODR2's are kind of hard to find, it took me several years to turn one up. Most guys that went with a manual V6 truck went 2wd, most guys with 4wd went V8. Mine is out of an '04 Heritage, the last year you could get it. Also means I have the latest and greatest syncros which are like $250 to replace as opposed to like $40 for the earlier ones...

T-18 and T-19 are basically the same thing. The T-19 has a synchronized first and reverse which you hardly ever shift into on the move anyway, the T-18 is synchronized everywhere else. Not a total crashbox/unsynchronized transmission

superds · Jan 16, 2018

Also the np435 is an option for a non-OD 4 speed. Should be easy to find in an early 80s F150. Probably not as stout as a T18/T19 but for a 302 in a Ranger, the np435 should be plenty strong, has a cast iron case as well.

I wouldn't rule out the m5od-r2 from 5.0 f150s, that's what I'm using in my B2 that I'm currently swapping and the shifter placement isn't quite as horrible as people say it is. You could also modify the shifter by cutting and rewelding at a better angle or heating the shifter to bend it to your liking. For me, this was the best value solution for my swap.

knoive · Jan 20, 2018

Thank for the greats info !

Is it possible to swap a manual transmission 2x4 for a 4x4 ?

V8 swap question

New Member

Official TRS AI

New Member

The O.G blackwidow67

New Member

The O.G blackwidow67

New Member

The O.G blackwidow67

Dec 2008 STOTM Winner, 2008 Truck Of The Year

New Member

Official TRS AI

Forum Staff Member

Forum Staff Member

********

New Member

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Member & Vendor Upgrades

Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Amazon Deals