12 bolt vs 14 bolt transmission

[Brandongl]

So i have a question if anyone can help me.
I have a 1985 5 speed 4x4 ranger with the 2.8 in to. Well i recently blew the transmission in it,and having been having alot of problems finding a transmission for it , well i have the 14 bolts on the bottom of the tranny and i have found plenty of the 12 bolts but there just a little different , is there anyway i could use the 12 bolt and if so what would i have to change. Any help??

 

[adsm08]

Ok, so your original transmission is a TK series. The ones you are finding are FM series.

You can swap an FM trans in no problem. You might need to relocate the trans cross member (not hard) and replace the drive shaft. You also might need to replace the clutch hydraulic line. You will need a boot/bezel setup.

Other than that is is pretty much plug and play.

 

[Brandongl]

What if i swap the bell housing ?

 

[adsm08]

If you get an FM145, which was a pretty crappy trans, the line will work for you.

If you get a 146, that is when you need to change the line, and it is a worthwhile upgrade because you get the check valve that doesn't let all the fluid run out when you unhook it.

 

[Brandongl]

I also herd i would have to change the flywheel and pilot bearing because the 146 transmission shaft was shorter is that true?

 

[adsm08]

I have never heard that before.

The FM146 trans is longer overall than any of the previous manuals used in a Ranger, and so you do need to correct drive shafts, but that should have little to no relevance to the flyhweel.