1989 Ranger auto to maual swap question

[trickett]

im sorry if this has already been asked before. i saw similar threads that kinda danced around my question but i couldnt find the asnwer i need because most people already had a manual ranger and didnt understand the concept of a hydro master cylinder and a cable operated clutch fork. so here goes......... i originally intended to pick up a 1996 5 speed splash to make the 5.0 swap but now ive stumbled on a 89 ranger in good shape for $150. the problem with this truck is the auto tranny. i have a 1990 mustang gt as a donor with the t-5 5 speed. i was wondering if i could get some suggestions on what my best option is here.....try to fab my pedal assembly into the ranger and stick with the cable setup which i dont mind one bit -OR- should i try to put a hydraulic system in it and use the external slave on my t-5? also if the hydro system is my best bet, how would i go about achieving this? thanks. Nick

 

[Mac]

I know a lot have tried the cable set-up and given up. Best to just go the with the hydraulic set-up and be done with it. Lots of pictures showing the external slave cylinder and all the different ones used. Go to a yard and pick up the pedal assembly and master cylinder.
Dave

 

[martin]

I would be inclined to try to use the hydraulic as it eliminates to problem of sorting out adjustments. Don't think it would be too difficult to sort out but the bracket for the slave would have to be fairly substantial, there's a lot of pressure there. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[trickett]

i would definitely rather go the hydraulic route. the only issue im wondering about is how to go about installing the master cylinder. im sure you guys think "if he cant put a master cyl. into an auto truck then why is he swapping in a 5.0" lol. im just not familiar with how it will go on the firewall. if it comes down to it then im not scared of the cable setup, as thats what im used to on the stangs ive had. just seems like the hydro would simplify things in the long run.
is there already provisions for a master cylinder even on trucks that came factory with the automatic? i guess thats what i was trying to get at. thanks again. Nick

 

[CJREX]

Yes, the mounts are there for the clutch setup, even on an auto truck.

I switched my old '89 BII from auto to manual and it was surprisingly easy.

 

[trickett]

dweet! thats what i was hoping to find out. thanks a lot for the quick replies and all the helpful information.