1989 2.9 5 speed. Wrong transmission?

[Volbeast]

I have a 1989 Ford Ranger 2.9 with a 5 speed. I spent 4 hours tearing out a manual transmission from an Explorer in the junkyard. The engine was a V6, but I'm not sure about other details. I did record the VIN to help if I need troubleshooting (looks like I do).

Can I adapt my driveshaft to work, do I need to buy a custom driveshaft? Adapter?

I'm not sure if I can swap 2 transmissions for the one I need but I am going to try.

Please help if you can.

 

[sgtsandman]

I don't know for sure which transmission is the original but the one will not work with the other in your truck. One is RWD and the other is 4X4. There is no making the other work with whichever drive line you have. Take what you have back and make sure the transmission you get is the right drive line and from the same engine. It very much matters that you match both.

 

[Volbeast]

F'n LOL. The Ford Explorer was not a 4wd. I had doubts during the 4 hours, fighting every bolt, nut, and cross member. I even brought out the carbide sawzall to delete the exhaust.

The same engine, it is a FWD (2wd) V6. I thought all I had to do was match the vehicle size and engine (V6 - non V8 Full Size SUV).

 

[scotts90ranger]

The transmission will bolt up, the Explorer trans is an M5OD but I'm not sure about what your 2.9 had since there were like 3 over the years on the 2.9... I know the M5OD is better though, not sure about the driveshaft.

 

[RonD]

Transmissions do need to match engine bolt pattern, but also 2WD or 4x4 need to match
Rangers used several V6 engines so because its a V6 doesn't mean it will work with another V6 of a different displacement

Do you have a 2WD or 4x4?

The 2.8l, 2.9l and 4.0l Cologne engines all used the same block so transmission from one will fit the other
Explorers used the 4.0l
But still need to match 2WD or 4x4

1989 Ranger 2.9l 4x4 would have a Mitsubishi FM146, it was 4WD only
1989 2.9l 2WD would have a Mitsubishi FM132, 2WD only........................OR an M5OD-R1 these came in 2WD and 4WD versions

The Explorers just used the M5OD-R1 but in 2WD or 4WD versions, most Explorers were automatics, all were from 1998 and up, and only FWD(front wheel drive) Explorers were 2011-2019

 

[Shran]

Looks to me like the original one was an FM-132. I'm not super familiar with 2wd transmissions but as long as they are the same length in this case (and I believe they are) you can use the one from the Explorer.

Issues you may run into:

Shifter is in a different spot, you'll need the shifter and the floor plate from the Explorer
Slave cylinder may or may not have the wrong quick connect fitting depending on what year the Explorer was - safest to use one for your truck
Rear output yoke - interchangeable I think but make sure what you had before fits the new trans
Input shaft on the Explorer trans should have very little or no slop side to side, in-out, up/down, etc
Make sure that the 3 rubber shift rail plugs on the Explorer trans are not leaking, you can replace them with freeze plugs

 

[NakedDucks]

PM me A phone number. I can walk you through this swap. It’s easier than you think, HOWEVER... the 2.9 trans and 4.0 trans have different gear ratios.