Fm-146 transmission reliability

[MEWolf]

I have been looking for a 5 speed manual trans for my project 90 Supercab Ranger and may have found an FM-146 with a transfer case. My project came with a 93 4.0L engine and M5OD-R1 2WD trans, which is not much use. How reliable is the Fm-146 in a 4WD application with a stock 4.0L engine, 4.56 gears and 285/16 tires? I am not a racer, so just want the truck to go hunting and maybe some trail running.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Probs not.

I'm not a transmission guy.

Look for a tranny guy that knows about tailshafts.


Hello and welcome to TRS.

 

[franklin2]

Those 4.56 gears will make the whole driveline's job a little easier. I have been running my fm145 for years now in a 1986 4x4 ranger. I then took it out and swapped it in my 1984 Bronco II and are still running it with no problems.

It's been my experience with other transmissions, that if you drive it like you have some sense, it will last a long time. People get into problems when they hammer on them.

I swapped in a c4 automatic from a car that had a six cylinder in it in a old v8 mustang I have. "O no, the six cylinder transmission has less clutch plates in it, it won't last". Been in there for years and years.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The FM145/146 is generally regarded as the weakest of the ranger manual trannys.

I wouldnt bet on it living long under those conditions.

Im not real familar with the M5OD but it should have a removable tailshaft (i think) that you can remove and bolt a T case to.

 

[MEWolf]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the responses. I tend to agree with franklin2 though. However, I have read that the Mazda M5OD-R1 is the strongest of the trannys. Just hard to find unless you want to buy a rebuilt unit at $1k+.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the responses. I tend to agree with franklin2 though. However, I have read that the Mazda M5OD-R1 is the strongest of the trannys. Just hard to find unless you want to buy a rebuilt unit at $1k+.

www.car-part.com

 

[adsm08]

You can't just slap a 4x4 extension housing on a 2wd M5OD and call it a 4x4. The output shaft is wrong.

 

[Dirtman]

You can if you BELIEVE you can.