Mazda m50d-r1 Starter Position

[timothyfoster15]

I have a 1989 V6 2.9L 2wd ranger. It has a mazda m50-r1 transmission in it. I went to replace it with another m50d-r1 transmission I bought used, and discovered when I went to put it in that the housing for the starter is on the wrong side. In my truck the starter is on the driver's side and the transmission was made for a starter on the passenger side. Looked at moving the starter, but the oil filter's in the way. Any ideas for a solution? Also wondering what years/engines have the starters on what side.

Thanks

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

M5R1(M5OD-R1) came in 4 different bellhousing configurations for these engines

2.3l/2.5l Lima, 2wd and 4x4 models
2.3l Duratec, 2wd only
3.0l Vulcan, 2wd and 4x4 models
2.9l/4.0l Cologne, 2wd and 4x4 models

None are interchangeable, ALL are M5R1 models, so you need to get an M5R1 from a 2.9l or any 2wd 4.0l would work, get shifter with it
Bolt holes also won't line up, 3.0l and 4.0l bellhousing patterns here: https://www.therangerstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/3-0_vs_4-0_bellhousing.jpg

The starters are both on drivers side, I think the 2.3l was on passenger side???, so thats what you may have, and no you can't use it, sell it and look for correct one
MUST BE from a 2.9l or 4.0l 2wd Ranger, also Mazda B4000 would work , for easy swap, a 1997 or earlier, 1998 and up won't have speedo cable hookup

EDIT
Found picture of 2.3l bellhousing, here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attachments/engine-drivetrain-116/17244d1276783979-c4-bellhousing-2-3-4-cylinder-p1010061.jpg

Yes starter motor is on passenger side

 

[timothyfoster15]

Can you replace a M50D-R1 with an FM132?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

You can, but it would be inadvisable. The fm series transmissions are weak and do not last long.

Would probably be best to rebuild yours since the m5od that came with the 2.9 has gearing specifically for that engine's torque curve.

 

[Uncle Gump]

What's wrong with the one in it already?

As Junkie says... might be worth just fixing it... then you know what you have opposed to just putting a used one in it.

 

[timothyfoster15]

3rd gear is completely obliterated & 4th gear is pretty chewed up as well.