Transmission and drive shaft confusion

[Michael Stef]

Im swapping a 302 into my ranger its a '98 xlt and im swapping in a tranny from a 2001 f-150 its a 5spd manual which i believe is called a XL 34- VC. I am going to use an 8.8 lsd in the rear but i was wondering if i need a different drive shaft or if i can use the same one? If anyone has any info on this topic id greatly appreciate it because I am kindve confused rioght now and google is giving me no answers!

 

[CorbinsRanger]

Little late in the day I guess. There are several very knowledgeable guys on here...I'm not one of them, but hang in there. The Ranger guru's will help you out tommorrow I'm sure. With age comes wisdom...and early bed times. What T-case are you going to use?

 

[Michael Stef]

It's 2wd

 

[CorbinsRanger]

I see. With any luck the grand poobah Ron will see this in the morning. Cheers.from Saskatchewan fellow hoser

 

[2Krngr]

Im swapping a 302 into my ranger its a '98 xlt and im swapping in a tranny from a 2001 f-150 its a 5spd manual which i believe is called a XL 34- VC. I am going to use an 8.8 lsd in the rear but i was wondering if i need a different drive shaft or if i can use the same one? If anyone has any info on this topic id greatly appreciate it because I am kindve confused rioght now and google is giving me no answers!

XL34xx is one of various tag numbers, but it is a M5OD-R2 or M5R2, If your truck was a 2WD Manual to begin with then your stock driveshaft should just fit.

What engine/trans do you currently have? Mine was a 4.0/manual before the swap and the shaft fit right back in directly. (I'm not sure if a 3.0 or 4cyl manual shaft is the same length or splines as the 4.0/M5OD-R1 tho, maybe someone else knows that answer for sure).

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

You may or may not have to adjust the length. As long as the stub fits the rear of the transmission, then that won’t have to be changed. I did one V-8 swap that I didn’t have to change driveshaft length. The one I’m doing now the rear shaft is about an inch too long. It’s annoying, but not the end of the world. A spring and driveline shop can help. I called my local shop and they can cut and balance it. Since I should be able to handle the cut and weld, I may do it myself to save a little money (and a second trip there since I’d have to leave it a few days if they do the shortening).