1985 2.8L 4sp. What are my Options?

[bbbc3]

Hey guys,

I have a 1985 single cab short bed 4x4 with a 4sp MT. The starter bolt holes on the bellhousing have completely striped out. I took it to a local shop and they drilled all the way through the bolt holes so that a lock nut can be used on the back side. Even after several attempts of realigning the starter and using shims, the starter makes horrible grinding noises when starting the truck. The local shop says that the bell housing has a small crack and flywheel needs to be replaced.

Where can I find a good flywheel and bell housing for this transmission. I heard that the best way to go is with a 4.0L flywheel and bell housing. What years will fit this transmission?

Also I really wish it was a 5 sp manual but I am having a hard time finding a used one in good conditon and reasonable price. What year 4x4 5 spd transmissions will fit in my truck?

Thanks!

 

[adsm08]

M5OD is the best trans to use, the 4.0 one in Explorers and later Rangers will be best, but will require modification.

 

[bbbc3]

I'm assuming the M5OD is a direct bolt in? Will my truck's original shifter work on this transmission? I want to keep the truck looking as original as possible.

 

[4x4junkie]

I guess you could say it's bolt-in, though it's not a "direct" bolt-in...

You will have to replace your driveshafts, and possibly the shifter floor plate, boot, and transfer case shifter, but if you get all the correct parts from the correct donor truck(s), everything should all bolt up and look original.

The M5OD I believe is 4" longer overall than your TK-4 four-speed (and is why the need for different driveshafts & such). The M5OD is a far better trans, it's worth the extra effort to swap it in if you intend on keeping your truck for awhile.

 

[adsm08]

I'm assuming the M5OD is a direct bolt in? Will my truck's original shifter work on this transmission? I want to keep the truck looking as original as possible.

I refer you to the last three words of my original response.

will require modification

No, your original shifter will not work. Hurst does make one that looks a lot like your original, but it goes for almost $300.

 

[bbbc3]

I refer you to the last three words of my original response.



No, your original shifter will not work. Hurst does make one that looks a lot like your original, but it goes for almost $300.

Sorry!

I think I'll just stick to getting a new bell housing and flywheel. Besides a salvage yard, where can I buy an aftermarket bell housing and flywheel?