2.3 M5OD upgrade

[Pony Boy]

I have a 1988 Ford Ranger with a 2.3 turbo engine and the original M5OD from the Ranger. Is there any reason to update the transmission to a newer one from say a Ranger with the 2.5? Did Ford ever update the M5OD for use behind the 4 cylinder engines, or is mine pretty much the same as what they used in the late-model 4-cylinder engines? And the bellhousing bolt pattern on the Duratec DOHC 2.3's is different from the old 2.3/2.5 SOHC, correct?

 

[RonD]

M5OD-R1 used for the 4cyl or 3.0l V6 are all the same internally up to 2012
4.0l M5OD-R1 was the same but different gear ratios.

2.3l and 2.5l SOHC Lima engines had same bell housing, 2.3l DOHC Duratec bell housing was different
3.0l is different
4.0l is different, but same as 2.8l, 2.9l and 4.0l SOHC

1997 was last year of speedometer cable opening in the tail shaft housing of 2WD M5OD-R1s
So 2.5l wouldn't have it(1998-2001)
In 1998 Rangers started using rear axle ABS sensor for VSS(vehicle speed sensor)

4WD Rangers used transfer case for speedometer cable, not sure when they lost that worm gear and hole

1994 was last year Rangers used a speedometer cable for the dash, but hook up was still on the trans and used for VSS with same worm gear setup until end of 1997

So 1997 and lower would be best bet, but a rebuild of yours would be even better, because 1997 will still have high miles

 

[AllanD]

There were some "Improvements" that were made to the transmissions....

The switch to the "coarse tooth" synchro assemblies for 5th & Reverse...

Plastic faced synchronizers on several gears...

Assymetrically cut "Dog teeth" on several gears (most noticeable on 2nd and 3rd) that make fast upshifting easier...

a 1997 trans would give you most of the internal uogrades.

Lastly the Hurst Billet plus shifter is expensive, but IMO worth every penny
even if you have to steal some from your coin collection....

I got one cheap for my truck and I'm looking to buy a new one for my 1993 truck as well...

 

[Pony Boy]

Just the info I was looking for, thank you!