2.3L ('02-'11) 2.3 2wd manual transmission to 4x4 transmission.

[verntheranger]

This truck means a lot to me but I would like one feature and thats 4x4. I want to keep the 2.3L engine as it has only 58,000 miles on it. I know that its easier to sell it and get a 4x4 truck. I don't want that though. I knows it hard to find a 2.3L manual 4x4 transmissions too. I was just wonder can I convert my 2wd manual to a 4x4 transmission? Where is the best place to find a 2.3L manual 4x4 transmission if you know of any. Should I get ranger parts closer to my year which is a (2008) or all years the same. Will any of the Mazda B series fit my ranger at all. Thanks.

 

[2011Supercab]

I knows it hard to find a 2.3L manual 4x4 transmissions too.

It's impossible to find, Ford never offered the 2.3 Duratec in a 4x4

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, you'll have to make one... it will take near complete disassembly of two transmissions to make one (well technically you can make two transmissions out of two transmissions...). You will pretty much want to find a 3.0L 4x4 manual transmission (any year, 3.0L only came with an M5OD...) just to make things easier as the internal gear ratios match, ideally I think you want to go '95ish or newer so everything is the same inside but I think all you need is the output shaft and tail housing from the 4x4 trans... watch some you tube video's on rebuilding the M5OD so you can see how to get the output shaft out, it's not too hard, once you get the shift housing off you can get to the big nut, lock it in second and third gear so the shafts don't turn and get the nut off and that's about all I remember for now , I'll be rebuilding the M5OD in my '90 here within the month though...

 

[verntheranger]

Yeah, you'll have to make one... it will take near complete disassembly of two transmissions to make one (well technically you can make two transmissions out of two transmissions...). You will pretty much want to find a 3.0L 4x4 manual transmission (any year, 3.0L only came with an M5OD...) just to make things easier as the internal gear ratios match, ideally I think you want to go '95ish or newer so everything is the same inside but I think all you need is the output shaft and tail housing from the 4x4 trans... watch some you tube video's on rebuilding the M5OD so you can see how to get the output shaft out, it's not too hard, once you get the shift housing off you can get to the big nut, lock it in second and third gear so the shafts don't turn and get the nut off and that's about all I remember for now , I'll be rebuilding the M5OD in my '90 here within the month though...

Thank you! Time to get to work and find one and start building it out! Thanks again!