- Joined
- Jul 16, 2023
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 8
- Location
- Washington State
- Vehicle Year
- 1985
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger
- Engine Type
- 2.3 (4 Cylinder)
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
I’ve kind of been going in circles searching and reading about this trying to figure out how to approach it. I figured it may just be best to post here and get some input.
My daughter’s 85 Ranger (2.3, 4x4, standard cab, long bed) has an FM145 with a bad input shaft bearing; it squeals in every gear except 4th.
I tried contacting a few transmission shops about replacing the bearing and it seems like something they don’t want to touch. Then I looked into getting a rebuilt transmission, and the FM145s aren’t the most common. After that, I read some posts on here (mostly by adsm08) about swapping for a M50D, which seems like possibly the most ideal option in the long run.
I’m hoping some of you more experienced with this could give me your input on what you may do in this situation and help point me in the right direction. I’d like to keep the truck for a while, or indefinitely, it’s in great shape and has 83k original miles on it. These are what I think my options are, could you tell me what you would do?
Thanks in advance.
My daughter’s 85 Ranger (2.3, 4x4, standard cab, long bed) has an FM145 with a bad input shaft bearing; it squeals in every gear except 4th.
I tried contacting a few transmission shops about replacing the bearing and it seems like something they don’t want to touch. Then I looked into getting a rebuilt transmission, and the FM145s aren’t the most common. After that, I read some posts on here (mostly by adsm08) about swapping for a M50D, which seems like possibly the most ideal option in the long run.
I’m hoping some of you more experienced with this could give me your input on what you may do in this situation and help point me in the right direction. I’d like to keep the truck for a while, or indefinitely, it’s in great shape and has 83k original miles on it. These are what I think my options are, could you tell me what you would do?
- Continue to look for a shop that will replace just the bad input shaft bearing.
- Look for a shop that will rebuild the entire transmission.
- Get a rebuilt FM145.
- Swap in a M50D.
- Other options?
Thanks in advance.