95 2.3 to 3.0 or 4.0 swap

[Hahnsb2]

a trans from a 2.9 will physically bolt up to the 4.0, but it isnt likely to survive the 4.0s increased torque for long. i would only use an M5OD originally bolted to a 4.0

There is no strength difference between the 2.9 and 4.0 M5ODs.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

true enough...but the tech library says only 2wd 2.9's got the M5OD, while the 4x4 models got the fm all the way till the engine died in '92.

the fm is indisputably weaker than the M5OD...and since his truck is 4wd....

 

[Hahnsb2]

4x4s did get M5ODs, my buddy had one, someone on B2.org also has one. I know Pat has a 2.9 M5OD in his 4x4 exploder as well. I wish I had a 2.9 version, I like the little deeper gearing.

 

[2ranger87]

4x4s did get M5ODs, my buddy had one, someone on B2.org also has one. I know Pat has a 2.9 M5OD in his 4x4 exploder as well. I wish I had a 2.9 version, I like the little deeper gearing.

2.9 M5OD's in a 4X4 are rare but do exist. My '91 2.9 ex-cab came stock with one. They were much more common in 2wd trucks (at least in my neck of the woods)

I've got a whole pile of 4.0 M5OD's, but only a couple of 2.9 4x4 versions (i'm always looking for them because of the ratio) I suppose i could always mix'n'match 2wd 2.9 guts to make a 4x4 trans, but i only seem to have so much time on my hands.........

 

[2ranger87]

true enough...but the tech library says only 2wd 2.9's got the M5OD, while the 4x4 models got the fm all the way till the engine died in '92.

the fm is indisputably weaker than the M5OD...and since his truck is 4wd....

The 2.9 4x4's could be equipped with either a fm146 or an m5od up to '92. It was much more likely to find an fm146 in those trucks, only a handfull came with an m5od.

And i agree totally that the fm's were undeniably weaker than the m5od's.( i've had several fm's grenade.....)

 

[rickcdewitt]

as has been mentioned before though,i'de rather have the close ratio trans that came with the 4.0.it has better manners and keeps you in the power easier when towing or hauling.you don't need to rev it out to stay in the powerband while shifting.

once you have the 4.56's hahnz you won't want a granny gear

 

[redlinezl]

ok so how hard is a swap?
i mean im looking at a 96 explorer with a 4.0 sohc to put in my 96 ranger..
im not worried about dash lights being on, emissions, a/c and so forth.
my truck is for running mud bogs and the sohc has the most power.
all it needs to do is run good.
is this swap possible and easy or is a mtor swap complicated?

 

[2ranger87]

ok so how hard is a swap?
i mean im looking at a 96 explorer with a 4.0 sohc to put in my 96 ranger..
im not worried about dash lights being on, emissions, a/c and so forth.
my truck is for running mud bogs and the sohc has the most power.
all it needs to do is run good.
is this swap possible and easy or is a mtor swap complicated?

Um....

I wasn't aware of a SOHC being available in a '96. Has it been swapped in?

Regardless, the OHV makes it's power/torque at lower rpm's, which as far as i'm concerned is far more desirable in a trail/off-road rig.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the SOHC was introduced in the '97 exploder....maybe the one hes looking at is a '96 build date but '97 model year?

and anyway, mud guys need RPM and lots of it to keep the tires cleared...i think the SOHC would perform well in the mud pits. plus the SOHCs peak torque is only 600RPM higher than the OHV's, and it makes 20ft-lbs and 47hp more.

 

[2ranger87]

the SOHC was introduced in the '97 exploder....maybe the one hes looking at is a '96 build date but '97 model year?

and anyway, mud guys need RPM and lots of it to keep the tires cleared...i think the SOHC would perform well in the mud pits. plus the SOHCs peak torque is only 600RPM higher than the OHV's, and it makes 20ft-lbs and 47hp more.

Well, i'll admit that i'm not a mud kind of guy (I like to climb/crawl, a lot less cleaning)

But I do see your point on wanting an engine that "revs".........

 

[fastpakr]

For what it's worth, I have a 2.9 M5OD 4x4 trans in my Explorer. It's been running great for a few years now.

 

[redlinezl]

Um....

I wasn't aware of a SOHC being available in a '96. Has it been swapped in?

Regardless, the OHV makes it's power/torque at lower rpm's, which as far as i'm concerned is far more desirable in a trail/off-road rig.

yes sorry its a 97 with sohc.
but how hard is the swap?
like i said dash lights are no concern, just need to be bare bones and run.
is this easier then i thin, or is it hard?