M5R1-HD Tag Code: 1L54-HB 5-Speed Transmission (Suppliers or Equivalents?)

[ScubaMark]

I am having a heck of a time locating either a remanufactured transmission or a complete overhaul kit for a M5R1-HD Tag Code: 1L54-HB (2004 Ranger 4.0 4x4). Nobody seems to have either. While I would love suggestions if any one KNOWS of a vendor that supplies these, but I am now resigned to asking which available remanufactured transmission might be a relatively equivalent swap. (Tag Code Please).

I have browsed through all the threads and it seems to be a mystery of the universe as to why these transmissions are the equivalent of unicorns.

 

[Brain75]

M5R1 Rebuild Kit Identification

Hey all, My new 2001 Edge 4.0 Manual is going to need the syncros replaced soon. I was hoping to be able to buy the kit before opening it up so I can rebuild it as quick as possible. My issue is that there's three kits I've found, and all the sellers I've called have said that there's no way to...

www.therangerstation.com

Shran's part numbers and explanation of differences in 2nd synchro help you out??

For the kind of money they want for the one kit I would go junkyard shopping.

 

[ScubaMark]

Thanks for the reference to that thread, but I already went through that thread.... very very thoroughly. Twice, then once again when you linked to it. There is nothing helpful to locate parts or alternatives in there. The M5R1-HD is different and requires different rebuild kit specifically for the sychros. I have all but given up on finding a decent HD and really don't care, I just need to know if anyone has had success with replacing them with a regular M5R1. If someone has had success, what tag-code worked?

 

[Brain75]

I would probably call midwest as their website seems to be the most detailed on M5R1 parts and info, see if they can give you the lead on correct HD part numbers:

M5R1 New Manual Transmissions

See the complete line of products that we offer including M5R1 New and Remanufactured Manual Transmissions. To speak to a Drive Train Expert or to place and order call toll free 888-824-2012 , buy factory direct and save money! If you would like to save money ask about our good take out p

www.midwesttrans.com

888-824-2014

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

I don't think the tag code matters per se. If there weren't manual transfer cases in '04, any R1-HD 4x4 should be interchangeable, right? If you're rebuilding and your output shaft and tailhousing are intact, 2wd are also on the table.

Did you already reach out to all the resellers who list the -BWS rebuild kit in stock, and it's actually out? Like Summit comes up right away, but it wouldn't surprise me if they don't actually have it.

If it's actually NLA (or the issue is budget), welcome to the club. Various parts for the regular M5OD-R1 are also in the process of being discontinued.

I'd probably combine the normal -AWS kit with my existing unique synchros and/or the best junkyard unit you can find.

 

[ScubaMark]

I would probably call midwest as their website seems to be the most detailed on M5R1 parts and info, see if they can give you the lead on correct HD part numbers:

M5R1 New Manual Transmissions

See the complete line of products that we offer including M5R1 New and Remanufactured Manual Transmissions. To speak to a Drive Train Expert or to place and order call toll free 888-824-2012 , buy factory direct and save money! If you would like to save money ask about our good take out p

www.midwesttrans.com

888-824-2014

Brain75,

Midwest was awesome! Unlike the others I tried , I actually spoke to a salesman that actually knew and understood what he was selling rather than dizzy dunces that could not cross reference compatibility nor under stood the differences between the variations. They all kept telling me that the transmission was no longer available and would not come available. Within 25 minutes of sending an email to Midwest, and a couple of phone calls, I had a FED-EX tracking number and expected delivery in 2 days. The price was reasonable, not the lowest advertised that I found... but the advertised matches were not actually available. Maybe it was a fluke, or maybe Midwest's customer service is that much better than the rest. I sure hope my experience with their remanufactured transmissions are as good as my experience with their customer service.

Thank you for the suggestion!

Mark

 

[Brain75]

just out of curiosity, was the part number for the kit you ordered TRSBK247BWS ? I saw it on the site, "2001 and up, 3 piece 2nd synchro" and thought that would be right but not brave enough to say that directly - figured they would either steer you towards that or come up with a better fit...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

^^^
@ScubaMark

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

Did you get what they call the MTFRD097 for $1300? That's not bad at all, all things considered.

Before they stopped doing them, USA was charging $1000+ for a normal R1 at least 3 years of inflation ago.

 

[ScubaMark]

Did you get what they call the MTFRD097 for $1300? That's not bad at all, all things considered.

Before they stopped doing them, USA was charging $1000+ for a normal R1 at least 3 years of inflation ago.

Yep, that's the one! Looks like it will arrive tomorrow morning.

 

[ScubaMark]

A follow up to my transmission replacement for those that might be interested with a couple of unsolicited opinions thrown in. Transmission above worked perfectly. I also replaced the clutch, flywheel, slave cylinder, and starter while I was at it. This truck had a heavy duty clutch since I bought it and I have hated it. Heavy pedal, barely worked and only ever released if the clutch was pressed hard to the floor (even with very meticulous bleeding), it blew out one master cylinder and the slave was weak as hell after that abuse. I put the stock self adjusting back in. Oh my! I didn't know how nice that change would be.

My advice #1, unless you are planning to be towing stuff way too big for a Ranger... stick with the stock self adjusting clutch. It is like a dream.

My advice #2, order the Perfection slave cylinder. It is just clearly manufactured better, not a bunch of plastic crap and worth every extra bit you pay for it.

My advice #3, make sure you know how to PROPERLY assemble and install the shifter rebuild kit, because YouTube videos are all WRONG but the TRS page is right.

Shifter Bushing Replacement - The Ranger Station

Story by Ranger44 (Forum Member) I noticed it was time to replace my shifter bushing when I could move my shifter side to side almost 3 inches in gear!! That’s a lot of slop. I went down to my local ford … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

My advice #4, the gasket between the transmission and the transfer case are all listed wrongly in the auto parts stores inventory and that jungle online store is just a messed up. Ford has changed the part number at least once, so that seems to have messed up everyone's inventory cross references. The name you find it most often listed under is "Transmission Extension Housing Gasket". I found it at O'Reilly with the help of a very good and helpful store manager. It is made by Pioneer. Both the Pioneer and the O'Reilly part number is 749286.

My advice #5, if you ever in to replace the clutch or transmission on a manual 4x4, do yourself a favor and just replace the starter whether you need it or not. I don't even know how you would get that sucker out of there normally.

My Ranger is now back on the road and so sweet to shift and drive it is almost like a different truck. I love it! I have decided I that perhaps I am not too old for a manual transmission after all.

Thanks for the tips about Midwest Transmission ya'll! https://www.midwesttrans.com/

Thanks,
Mark

 

[SenorNoob]

Starter is that hard by 04? Mine will fall out and hang by the wiring.

 

[sgtsandman]

Starter is that hard by 04? Mine will fall out and hang by the wiring.

When I was working on my 2011 clutch slave cylinder, I noticed the same thing the OP did. There is no way of getting the starter out without removing the exhaust manifold or the transmission.

 

[gw33gp]

I have been told there is a way to worm the starter out without having to take things apart. I have studied it very carefully and don't see how. The last time my transmission was out I installed a new starter. I am glad I did. It was still the original starter with 300K miles on it. It was beginning to make little rattle after starting sometimes. Now it spins over quicker, and the rattle is gone.

 

[epoxybreath]

Hi Mark,
Lucky for me I went down the manual trans hole right behind you.

Post in thread 'Midwest or Zumbrota'

Jul 2, 2025

Hi Folks,
Thanks for the replies.
Franklin, I am reticent to buy used unless the mileage is way low, and all of those anywhere around me is high. With shipping etc. the price difference for a hopefully skilled reman unit is worth it to me but I really appreciate the suggestion.
Midwest 1 week turn around.
They tell me that the syncros are getting tough to acquire and they won't know if their 1 remaining core will be usable until they get inside.
Midwest does have a shop in Zumbrota (Place) but it is about 10 miles away from the Zumbrota (company name ) facility.
Anyway, thanks to all...

• epoxybreath

• 

Really appreciate this thread. I have just ordered the same trans from Midwest and my customer service experience was like yours, indeed a pleasure dealing with someone who knows up from down. In fact they quoted 8-10 day lead time and it just shipped 3 days later.

Thanks for the heads up on the gasket, slave cylinder, and the starter. Really god info.
I am also replacing the rear main seal on the engine.

You said that you used a stock clutch and I keep running into the dreaded Discontinued Part message.
When you referred to stock clutch above was that just a reference to stock spec clutch or do you suggest motorcraft brand?
I had been looking at all Perfection components but will take advice as to others experience.

Thanks and a tip of the hat, Bruce