97 ford ranger sAs

[ThatsafordrangerR]

Hey guys! first post on the ranger station! Let me tell yea alittle bit about what I have! I bought a 97 ranger 2.3 single cab 5 speed standard step side 2wd 15 years ago! First month of owning it I stripped it down replaced all the under carriage rad support fenders a few odd and ends and sanded it down primed it and pushed it in my garage and never looked at it no more till now! Few of my buddys got rock crawlers and got me thinking of making one! So I'm gonna use this ford ranger! I don't really care about time or money iv owned the truck for 15 years and I'm not giving up on it so Easley lol!

List of parts I have :
Xj axle
5.5 inch lift coils and shocks

Ram and hoses for hydro steer ( still looking for orbital steering valve )

Tubing for 4 Link

My main question is and it's a frequently asked question I know... lol I'm wondering is there a transfer case that will bolt up to my transmission F67A I know i have to take my tail end off if so, but will I need a adapter of some short OR do I have to buy a 4x4 5 transmission with a transfer case already attached (I hope) out of another 2.3?

 

[scotts90ranger]

You have an M5OD transmission as all '87 and newer 2.3L will have (random on 2.9L's, all 4.0L and 3.0L have them). What you need is a M5OD with manual transfer case (I'm guessing that's what you would want) and get the tailhousing and output shaft out of it. You'll want a '97 or older so you get a transfer case with a speedo output and a tail housing with a manual transfer case flange deal. All the V6 manual transmissions have a different bellhousing than a 2.3L, the 3.0L has the same gears inside, 4.0L has taller first through third gears to be a touch stronger... pretty much all you need is the tailhousing and output shaft though...

 

[ThatsafordrangerR]

You have an M5OD transmission as all '87 and newer 2.3L will have (random on 2.9L's, all 4.0L and 3.0L have them). What you need is a M5OD with manual transfer case (I'm guessing that's what you would want) and get the tailhousing and output shaft out of it. You'll want a '97 or older so you get a transfer case with a speedo output and a tail housing with a manual transfer case flange deal. All the V6 manual transmissions have a different bellhousing than a 2.3L, the 3.0L has the same gears inside, 4.0L has taller first through third gears to be a touch stronger... pretty much all you need is the tailhousing and output shaft though...

 

[ThatsafordrangerR]

So I would need a tail housing and output shaft out of a 97 or older 2.3? But any manual transfer case will work, I phoned every salvage yard near and far and no older transfer cases are available but lots out of 3l and 4l I just want to be sure before I snag one up...

 

[scotts90ranger]

4x4 2.3L Rangers are like hens teeth, you won't find one, but luckily I was probably talking in circles or missed something

Just find an M5OD, for your uses it doesn't matter what it's from... all of the transfer cases will interchange but you'll want a 1354 transfer case (before that they were 1350 and had a telescoping front output) from a '90-97 to get a fixed front output. There are only two models of transfer case used on Rangers that matter, 1350 and 1354, both were offered in manual or electric shift versions, the 1350 had a few different options over it's years of use like some STX Rangers got a fixed front output but took an odd front driveshaft.

 

[ThatsafordrangerR]

Well I found a full truck so i may not have to worry about the 2.3 at all. I found a 93 3L 4x4 auto, electric shift. bad frame plus a extra Tranny and transfer case to go with it, I'm guessing this engine will bolt up to my existing mounts on my 97 2.3 have to use the transfer case mount off of the 3l and the wiring harness.