Transmission leaks and shifter bushings

[ForgedCrank]

1994 Ranger 2.3l 5 speed

Hi again folks, wanted some opinions if you guys are willing...
I know this has been covered ad-nauseam, but I'm just looking for some validation on transmission types and models, correct parts.
Everything I read (for the most part anyway) is regarding the M5OD and some variations o fit. My particular gearbox is labeled as F27A UA which is, best I can tell, a "M5R1".
Is this the same thing as M5OD-R1 ? I'm experiencing what I believe is the common leak from those top plugs and want to get them replaced. It's a very slow leak, but it's gotta go. Leaking oil isn't tolerated.
Would this be the correct plug to get?: M5R1 M5R2 Shift Rail Top Cover Plugs Ford Mazda Rear Updated Steel Ranger F150

In addition, I figure might as well fix the sloppy shifter while I have it opened up. Would this be the correct kit?: Ford M5R1 Shifter Repair Kit Fits 1988-up Ranger Explorer 5 Speed M5ODSRK

Also, what are your opinions on those plugs? Would you guys do this, or find the original style rubber ones? I don't know if I'm going to have enough room to pound in the steel ones or not.

Sorry for the redundant questions, I'm just hoping for verification before I order the stuff to make sure i'm not screwing up.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yep, those are the parts

I have mixed feelings on putting freeze plugs in there but I did it to mine back a bunch of years ago and it's been fine, should have gotten one of those shift boot kits too since the boot part above the bushings was shot...

One time I even broke one of the metal pins that keep the shifter straight! That was fun getting in gears...

 

[ForgedCrank]

Yep, those are the parts

I have mixed feelings on putting freeze plugs in there but I did it to mine back a bunch of years ago and it's been fine, should have gotten one of those shift boot kits too since the boot part above the bushings was shot...

One time I even broke one of the metal pins that keep the shifter straight! That was fun getting in gears...

I was also reading that the rubber plugs are the vent for the gearbox, the only one. Do you think using the steel freeze plugs and sealing it tight will make other problems (worse leaks in other new places)? I've looked everywhere and I can't find the rubber ones. Doesn't make sense to me, I can't exactly drill a hole in one of the new plugs, it'll just keep on seeping oil. How are the rubber ones acting as a vent and NOT leaking ?

 

[scotts90ranger]

The other easy air source is the lower shift boot that is included in the one kit... My mess leaks oil out of everything so I can't tell what is leaking from where, I rebuilt the trans on the '90 last year but it doesn't have many street miles on it since then and it's just a general mess... the '97 I don't know if it leaks since it has 218k miles on it and the valve cover seeps so everything has a film...

As for a vent, I've wondered the same but haven't lost sleep over it, it figures itself out...

 

[scotts90ranger]

For installing them I imagine you can get a long bolt or chunk of rebar or something to drive them in from the back by the output area, haven't crawled under the '97 in a while and looked there...

 

[ForgedCrank]

The other easy air source is the lower shift boot that is included in the one kit... My mess leaks oil out of everything so I can't tell what is leaking from where, I rebuilt the trans on the '90 last year but it doesn't have many street miles on it since then and it's just a general mess... the '97 I don't know if it leaks since it has 218k miles on it and the valve cover seeps so everything has a film...

As for a vent, I've wondered the same but haven't lost sleep over it, it figures itself out...

I wonder if I could cram a little wad of air conditioner filter in there to help separate any oil particles and do that, just let it vent into the shifter boot....

 

[superj]

instead of working on the long swing stock shifter stuff, change those plugs and put a core shifter, or hurst shift instead. its some money to buy a new one so look for a used set up for sale and swap your shifter assembly and enjoy nice crisp short shifts that make the truck feel like a sports car

 

[ForgedCrank]

Ok i've changed my mind on this... I've decided to re-use the stock plugs and just RTV the things back in there.
I read conflicting info regarding the venting, but the more common consensus is described as Scott mentioned above... the venting is done through the shiftier stub boot, or at least that is the far more common opinion, so I'm going with that and not worry about it.
It is also apparently a real challenge to get the freeze plugs pounded in there without dropping the rear of the transmission, and I'm simply not motivated enough to go through all of that right now. i'm still going to order a set of the steel plugs for the unfortunate case that I break one of the plastic ones somehow and just hope I don't need to use any of them. Besides, I'm pretty sure the input shaft bearing is on it's way out in this thing, so some years down the road I'm going to have to rebuild this trans anyway.... I'll do steel plugs then if it ever happens.
thanks for the input fellas.

 

[superj]

stock, it does go through the shifter assembly. there is a slot cut into the ball that the shifter rotates on.

if you find the thread i did about putting hte hurst shifter install, i might have a picture of hte slot in the stock one

 

[ForgedCrank]

stock, it does go through the shifter assembly. there is a slot cut into the ball that the shifter rotates on.

if you find the thread i did about putting hte hurst shifter install, i might have a picture of hte slot in the stock one

I do see the slot on the factory stub, I assumed that is what was going on after reading more. Didn't seem logical that those plugs were the vents, otherwise they would be leaking all the time even brand new.
I may have seen that thread you mentioned. Are you the one who put the fitting into the rail and ran it to an overflow bottle?
Just curious at this point because I'm just not that interested right now in an aftermarket shifter. I drive this thing like a grandpa anyway, I just want to reel in a little bit of the slack, the bushings are gone and it's flopping all over the place. That's all I really care about.
Thanks for the feedback, it's always nice to understand a little more about the platform.

 

[superj]

No, i didn't add a vent after i did the shifter change. I figured i would wait and see if mine started leaking or not.

If you ever add the extra cupholder that mounts in the curve of the seat bottom, nearest the shifter, your stock shifter will hit your drinks. That the main reason i did the shifter, and it looks super cool