Converting from Auto to Manual 5spd

[johndough]

I have a 1988 2.9L 4x4 with an A4LD trans. I’m converting it to a 5spd manual. I have the 5 speed located from another 4x4 2.9L truck and also the clutch pedal assembly. What else do I need for this swap? A list of all parts that any of you can think of would be greatly appreciated

 

[Josh B]

One I'm thinking I'll need for my swap from an automatic to a standard will be a pilot bearing.

The automatics don't use it, the standard shifts do (it holds the pressure plate and stuff in place while you're shifting gears

 

[Paulos]

I'm not certain about the '88, but I believe there is an adapter plate for the shifter boot that bolts/screws to a universal opening in the bellhousing. So you should be able to unbolt the old automatic shifter adapter and bolt in the adapter from the donor 5 speed. I don't think 1st gen Rangers had column shifters for automatics, but I could be wrong. Also, get the clutch master cylinder and hydraulic line. If you are buying a new flywheel, you may need the pilot shaft bearing adapter/bushing that is mounted in the old flywheel. The hole in the flywheel is bigger than the pilot bearing, so you will need that bushing to make the bearing fit. Look at the pictures here at Rock Auto and you will see what I mean. Only two of the 7 flywheels they have pictured show the bushing. So, if you're getting the trans and pedals from a complete vehicle, it would be a good idea to remove the flywheel and pop the bushing out with a hammer and a socket slightly smaller than the bushing.

 

[Josh B]

The standards usually have a type of perch that sits on the cross member and lifts the rear of the transmission.

Be sure you have that "saddle" or whatever it's called when gathering up your transmission

 

[Poppa_R]

Since your engine has some electronic control I would recommend getting a new ECU for the manual transmission

 

[johndough]

I'm not certain about the '88, but I believe there is an adapter plate for the shifter boot that bolts/screws to a universal opening in the bellhousing. So you should be able to unbolt the old automatic shifter adapter and bolt in the adapter from the donor 5 speed. I don't think 1st gen Rangers had column shifters for automatics, but I could be wrong. Also, get the clutch master cylinder and hydraulic line. If you are buying a new flywheel, you may need the pilot shaft bearing adapter/bushing that is mounted in the old flywheel. The hole in the flywheel is bigger than the pilot bearing, so you will need that bushing to make the bearing fit. Look at the pictures here at Rock Auto and you will see what I mean. Only two of the 7 flywheels they have pictured show the bushing. So, if you're getting the trans and pedals from a complete vehicle, it would be a good idea to remove the flywheel and pop the bushing out with a hammer and a socket slightly smaller than the bushing.

Well I went ahead and got a 2.9 bolted up to a FM145 bolted to a BW1350 transfer case. I’ve got the clutch pedal assembly coming. So I think that means most of the stuff you mentioned I shouldn’t have to worry about, because it ran great and shifted good before it was pulled.