00 explorer 5.0 in my 00 ranger. What manual trans should I use???

[Jwad00]

Ok so my original plan was to bolt up my 00 explorer 5.0 to my 00 ranger in place of the 3.0 but wanted to keep my manual transmission and also wanted to keep my shifter in the same spot so I dont have to cut a hole in the floor. Well I was told an F-150 4.2L 2wd M50DR2 transmission would do just that and bolt to the 5.0 thing is, I have heard that I would not be happy with the gear ratio in the F-150's 4.2L transmission. So my question is, what transmission would be good to use and would keep me from having to hack up my floor? Thanks!

 

[v-8power]

Check out this thread
http://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1989&highlight=midshift+kit

 

[baddad457]

Tremec 3550 fitted with a mid shift kit is the only other choice.

 

[Mac]

The Tremec 3550 has been replaced with the TKO 500/600. Even stronger now and have eight different shifter locations.
Dave
http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/tr-3550.html

 

[Jwad00]

The Tremec 3550 has been replaced with the TKO 500/600. Even stronger now and have eight different shifter locations.
Dave
http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/tr-3550.html

I was actually looking at that! Lol. So my question is how do I know where I need the shifter on the transmission so it will fit up to my stock hole in the floor? I'm not familiar with transmissions at all. And what about a clutch? I would imagine these transmission kits don't come with a clutch so what would work good for me in a Tremec?

Also

# Increased gas mileage 36% overdrive 5th gear drops 3000 RPM to 1920 RPM!
# 0.82 optional 5th gear drops 3000 RPM to 2460 RPM (typically used in Road Racing)

I would love to be able to cruise on the highway at 1920 RPM's! With a 5.0 the truck would just glide helping me get better mileage when going to far away shows. The 0.82 5th only takes it down to 2460 so I am guessing in the first line they are talking about the .68 5th gear keeping the overdrive RPM's low? Because that is what I want.

Also, the only difference I see in the 500 and 600 is just torque ratings correct? Since I am running a stock 5.0 a 500 should be plenty for me

 

[Mac]

Haven't gotten mine installed yet but I went with the mid-shift that is 12" back from the front. It does take a different bellhousing than the T-5 and a different clutch disc. Best to check with Summit or Jegs for the best deal. They both know.
Hydraulic clutch can either be an external or interanl (McLeod). I'd sure go with the .68 OD but when you drop your crusing RPM too low, you are going to hurt your mileage. You should be fine with the low profile of your truck. Blowing thru the wind does cost HP.
Yep, the only difference between the two different models is the torque rating.
Where are you located at? I'm finially trying to finish my 2000 swap but into a 4x4 and starting on a 2001 4x2 with the Tremec.
Dave - need pictures or something, l give me a shout! Got the wiring diagrams?

 

[baddad457]

Choose the OD ratio based on your engine combo. Not every motor will like loping along a 1900 rpms on the highway. My 331 was turning 2687 rpms at 60 mph and still managed to pull down 16 mpg running 70 mph (that's turning about 3000-3100) A motor with a big cam and intake will do better in the mpg department at a higher cruise rpm than a motor built with a smaller cam, a dual plane intake and a smaller carb. Every motor has a "sweet spot" in the rpm band that will get you the best fuel economy. Figure out what rpm that is and then make your decision on the overdrive gear.

 

[Jwad00]

Mac, I'm in Kansas City, Mo

baddad, my 04 EDGE with 3" lift and 32s runs @ 2K in 5th going about 70 and I get 21mpg out of the 4.0 SOHC in it so I am going to guess that about the same RPMs in a little 00 ranger with a 5.0L going at 2K I should just glide. What about transmission wiring harness? Will the rangers harness plug into the Tremec or how does all that work for reverse lights and crap?