Looking for a 02 FX4 or 03 FX4 LII manual transmission

[gw33gp]

I know this may be nearly as hard as finding hens teeth, but I may need one. I thought I found a remanufactured one through Auto Zone rebuilt by Zumbrota. I even spoke with the Zumbrota representative and he told me they had cores to rebuild. Unfortunately, he was mistaken and they have none of those cores.

Apparently I made a mistake by sending my totally functional transmission with 240K miles on it to a shop with a very good reputation for a check up to make sure I would not get stranded in the wilderness some day. They determined all was good except 5th gear was worn. I they replaced all the bearings, 5th/reverse gear assy, 5th gear retainer plate, 5th gear slider and all the seals. It worked well for about 6 months and it started popping out of 5th gear occasionally. At around 13 months it suddenly would not stay in 5th gear at all. I took it back to the rebuilder even though it was beyond the warranty. They found 5th gear was worn again and replaced it at no charge. Then about 10 months later it suddenly started popping out of 5th gear again.
I am thinking there may be something in the case that is worn and may be the problem.

The rebuilder told me to bring it in again and they would look at it to see if they can determine why it keeps failing. I don't know if I can trust them anymore.

So, I would like to find another transmission. Unfortunately, it needs to have the mounting boss for the manual shift transfer case linkage. Does anyone have any idea where I might find one?

 

[bobbywalter]

Is it a fa or a gb? There are a few different versions. I don't remember the details.

If I remember right the older style can work. Near me I recently looked at a few. 300 and one was 550. Both from explorer platforms. One had a boss and the other had one not drilled.

 

[gw33gp]

The tag number is 1L54-MA. I don't know anything about the GB but I have heard the HB is the same as FA but the tail section (transfer case adapter) has to be exchanged from the FA to be able to be able to attach the manual transfer case linkage.

 

[RonD]

I thought the 2 bosses were on the tail shaft housing, so you can use any 2001-2011 M5OD-R1HD 4x4 trans and just swap the tail shaft housing

2001-2011 have the OSS sensor needed in those years

EDIT: yes the manual transfer case shifter bosses are on the tail shaft, seen here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attachments/drivetrain-tech-37/214874d1508545395-transmission-transfer-case-2001-vs-2002-2003-lvl-ii-manual.jpg

8 bolts and a gasket, but not sure about the gasket, lol

 

[snoranger]

You just missed one...

For Sale - (NJ) 4.0 sohc engine and manual trans

2003 ford ranger 4.0 engine and m50dr1-hd transmission. Has 95k miles on engine and trans. Selling engine and trans in the truck. Power steering pump or lines leak. No interior. No fenders or doors. No hood. No grille. Frame is really rusty on it. Selling the truck with engine and trans in it...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[sgtsandman]

RonD covered it already. My impression is that those years of transmissions were the same regardless less of trim and package level. The tail just needs to be swapped for the Level II.

 

[gw33gp]

Yes, I am aware of the manual transfer case boss being on the tail shaft housing. It may be true that any M50D-R1HD transmission (2001-2011) for a 4.0 SOHC could be used with a tail housing swap, but, so far the only confirmation is with the tag number 1L54-HB. I am not familiar with tag numbers, but HB may be the tag number for 4WD 4.0 SOHC transmissions.

My main concern is if I get a remanufactured HB or other M50D-R1HD transmission and swap the tail housing, I would probably void the warranty.

For some reason, Zumbrota will not rebuild a 1L54-MA. I suggested the M50D-R1HD should have all the same internals and it should make no difference. The man I spoke with said the shop foreman insisted that he would not touch it. That does not mean it is different, but they must have some reason for not working on them.

 

[gw33gp]

As a follow up, I did buy a 1L54-HB or equivalent transmission. Tail housing from my 1L54-MA fit it perfectly. So, for anyone looking to do this, it does work.