1984 2.8 4x4 with FM146??

[LuckyLuke]

Hi everyone !
I have a 1984 Ranger 4x4 2.8 5speed project. I bought it missing it’s starter, transmission, clutch and manual transfer case. In the bed of the truck there is a complete FM146 with a transfer case. First — Can I make this work? I know everyone has an opinion on the best set up but for now I I’m just looking to get it on the road ASAP and with the parts I have, if possible. I was told that if I used a 2.9 flywheel and clutch and starter the Fm146 would bolt up to the 2.8. I was also told that the transfer case on the FM146 was a 1305 but I haven’t verified that.
Does that sound right? Or anyone out there that has done this? Thanks!

 

[LuckyLuke]

Anyone?

 

[adsm08]

Ok, here's the deal.

The 2.8 and 2.9 used the same flywheel/clutch/starter setup as far as I know.

The FM146 will bolt up, if it came from a 2.9, and while not as good as the M5OD was a better trans than it's predecessor the FM132/145.

HOWEVER, it is not the same length, it is longer than the earlier transmissions. This means your rear drive shaft needs to be shorter and your front drive shaft needs to be longer. You may also have to make slight modifications to the floor pan depending on which trans your truck came with originally.

The transfer case attached is likely a 1350, but could be a 1354. Those are really the only two options that would mate to that trans. A 1350 will have a slip-yoke front output (basically a splined hole on the front of the case), a 1354 will have a fixed yoke.

 

[LuckyLuke]

Hey, thanks for the reply. The visual differences on the two transfer cases is great info for me. And this iwas the answer I was expecting after having done some more research since my original post and measuring out a bunch of stuff at the junkyards.

Shortening the rear drive line should be straight forward but I’ve learned my lesson on lengthening drive shafts on the cheap ( spliced in extension’s aren’t a good long term idea). Lol

Any recommendations on a donor truck for the front drive shaft? Something that’s the right diameter but could be cut down. Or is there a forum post on this that I haven’t found yet?

 

[Shran]

Front driveshafts are easy to find - 89 or older with an A4LD automatic, FM146 or M5OD will have what you need.