4R55E swap to M50D-R1 96 ranger 4.0 4x4

[RangerRough]

I looked for guides in the tech library for awhile, i was wondering if anyone has a link to a good guide
4R55E swap to M50D-R1 96 ranger 4.0 4x4
i would greatly appreciate it. also, i was doing some researching and found that i need to swap the computer in my ranger if i go from the automatic to manual transmission, is this true? also, will i need a new speed sensors or cables etc.

 

[Josh B]

I can't tell you much but somebody will.
It's about time for me to go from a standard to an automatic

 

[RangerRough]

I can't tell you much but somebody will.
It's about time for me to go from a standard to an automatic

will you be selling your M50D-R1? or keeping it for future use?

 

[RangerRough]

I'm trying to get the clutch pedal and mounts, shifter, and pretty much everything i need to finish the swap before i start. and all the knowledge to complete it as well lol

 

[Josh B]

My legs are getting wore out, haha, I just got the new stick shift in
I might can check the yard near here if you get bogged down finding anything

 

[RangerRough]

rgr that! appreciate that! i will let you know

 

[Roert42]

Should be a fairly straightforward job to get it functional.

-new trans with fresh parts and slave cylinder.
- pedal assembly
- master cylinder

Not sure if the manual and auto have the same length drive shaft, may need to measure and check one in a junk yard.

Then if you want to get rid of the auto shifter.
Not sure if you need a whole steering column or just to remove the shifter.
- inside the dash were the PRNDL is there is a black out plate that replaces thePRNDL.

You can use the original ECU, but you will get CELs and high idle.

Then of course, the trim for shift boot and cup holders.

 

[RangerRough]

Should be a fairly straightforward job to get it functional.

-new trans with fresh parts and slave cylinder.
- pedal assembly
- master cylinder

Not sure if the manual and auto have the same length drive shaft, may need to measure and check one in a junk yard.

Then if you want to get rid of the auto shifter.
Not sure if you need a whole steering column or just to remove the shifter.
- inside the dash were the PRNDL is there is a black out plate that replaces thePRNDL.

You can use the original ECU, but you will get CELs and high idle.

Then of course, the trim for shift boot and cup holders.

Awesome! thank you
I have another question as well. i was looking at buying another cheap 96 ranger 4.0 manual trans NON 4x4. my idea was to strip the new ranger down to frame, paint, rebuild the manual transmission and swap all my 4x4 parts over to the new ranger with a re-manufactured engine. are the 96 ranger 2wd frames the same as the 96 ranger 4x4 frame?

 

[Roert42]

Awesome! thank you
I have another question as well. i was looking at buying another cheap 96 ranger 4.0 manual trans NON 4x4. my idea was to strip the new ranger down to frame, paint, rebuild the manual transmission and swap all my 4x4 parts over to the new ranger with a re-manufactured engine. are the 96 ranger 2wd frames the same as the 96 ranger 4x4 frame?

I am more familiar with the later model rangers.

However, I believe the front frame section is different between the 2wd and 4wd to accommodate the mounting for the different suspensions.

These transmissions are not the same between 2wd and 4wd, something about the output shaft that connects the transmission to the tail housing being different lengths. Can't remember exactly. I think you will need a trans from the exact configuration if you want to make a direct swap without gutting the entire transmission to swap out the shaft.

 

[Josh B]

This is the 4x4 tail shaft, after 400,000 miles

 

[RangerRough]

This is the 4x4 tail shaft, after 400,000 miles

thanks for the pic, good to know, hmmm i need to find some frame schemtatics.

 

[RangerRough]

I am more familiar with the later model rangers.

However, I believe the front frame section is different between the 2wd and 4wd to accommodate the mounting for the different suspensions.

These transmissions are not the same between 2wd and 4wd, something about the output shaft that connects the transmission to the tail housing being different lengths. Can't remember exactly. I think you will need a trans from the exact configuration if you want to make a direct swap without gutting the entire transmission to swap out the shaft.

i got some more research to do

 

[Roert42]

i got some more research to do

They have exploded parts breakdowns of the front suspension in the tech section.

 

[Josh B]

The mount on that tail shaft is barely visible, you can almost see one bolt of it. There is a removable cross member which goes in there to support the tailshaft of the transmission, as well as the transfer case which attaches to it. The skid plate is sort of in the way to see it well (This is looking from the passenger side)

 

[RangerRough]

The mount on that tail shaft is barely visible, you can almost see one bolt of it. There is a removable cross member which goes in there to support the tailshaft of the transmission, as well as the transfer case which attaches to it. The skid plate is sort of in the way to see it wellView attachment 92821

well, that skid plate is another missing part i just found on my truck, along with that front plate that i believe protects the radiator was also cut off. i need to find one at the junk yard