1997 manual transmission help!

[fordtech91]

Hey guys i have a 2wd 97 ranger with 2.3 engine in it and manual transmission. I am trying to figure out what trans i have in it. my VIN is 1ftcr10a3vta54531. I am looking to 4.0 SOHC swap it and i am just wondering if my trans will bolt up to the 4.0 SOHC block. Any help would be great. Thanks

 

[the_intimidator03]

Well your transmission will not bolt up to the 4.0. And your Vin I do not think helps for trans code... That would be the door sticker under trans. Which for you should be "M" code which is the Mazda M5OD-R1 which is aluminum trans with integral bellhousing. You will need a different trans for the 4.0

 

[fordtech91]

Ok well there lies the problem. The truck has doors off of another ranger so the door sticker on the racer is inaccurate so all i have to go off of is a VIN. So what manual trans did they put behind the 4.0 SOHC??

 

[scotts90ranger]

ALL 2.3/2.5 Rangers have had M5OD's since '87/88, and other than some 2.9L Rangers through '92 all 5 speed '90 up Rangers and explorers have the M5OD also, the transmission is technically the same design but since it has an integral bellhousing you need a 2.9L/4.0L version instead of the 2.3L version you have now, the 3.0L has another different bellhousing... If I remember right, the SOHC has the same bellhousing pattern as a OHV 4.0L so look for a '91 or newer Ranger with a 4.0L as a donor, the 2.9L M5OD has a slightly weaker first gear but will bolt up too.

 

[kryptonitecb]

If you are putting in a 4.0 get a 4.0 trans. It has a different 1st gear ratio to accommodate the increase in torque from the 4.0. They are a dime a dozen at junkyards.

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

 

[fordtech91]

Thanks guys that helps alot! I race this truck and over the winter i plan on sohc swapping it as the 2.3 just isnt quite cutting it anymore. Im hoping everything goes ok?? I plan on going to a u-pull-it and hopefully finding a ranger donor for engine 2wd trans, comp and harness. i got my fingers crossed. Thanks again for the info!