2.3 transmission recommendations

[85rangerproject]

I’ve got an 85 ranger. It’s got the 2.8 v6 5 speed 4x4. I’ve gotten tired of trying to find parts for the 2.8 so I bought a 2.3l from a 97 ranger that I’m going to swap. Does anyone know what transmission would work well with this configuration? I’m wanting to stay with a 5 speed and have my four wheel drive functional.

 

[1991 Blue danger ranger]

just need to find a transmission from almost any other 2.3, and it just has to also be a stick and 4x4

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The TK4 or 5 will give you the lowest 1st gear. Benificial with a 4 cylinder

 

[SenorNoob]

I'd probably look for an M5OD from a stock 2.3 4x4 Ranger. Still kinda rare, but; maybe you get something with less wear.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The M5OD is going to be the most reliable and easiest to find parts for but insanely hard to find in a 4 cylinder 4x4 setup. Depending on how handy you are swapping the parts from a 3L or 4L version over to make a 4x4 2.3L trans isn't too hard but does require near complete disassembly, there's a really good youtube video of a guy taking a M5OD apart though which helped when I redid mine last year...

 

[1991 Blue danger ranger]

The M5OD is going to be the most reliable and easiest to find parts for but insanely hard to find in a 4 cylinder 4x4 setup. Depending on how handy you are swapping the parts from a 3L or 4L version over to make a 4x4 2.3L trans isn't too hard but does require near complete disassembly, there's a really good youtube video of a guy taking a M5OD apart though which helped when I redid mine last year...

I wouldn’t recommend a 4.0 transmission if you plan this because the gearing was different for them, but a 3.0 has the same gearing as a 2.3.

 

[superj]

And get a hurst or core shifter for it once you are done. What a change in how the transmission feels

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I wouldn’t recommend a 4.0 transmission if you plan this because the gearing was different for them, but a 3.0 has the same gearing as a 2.3.

4.0/3.0 trannys wont bolt to a 4banger

 

[85rangerproject]

Thanks for all the replies, definitely given me some direction.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Out of curiosity....I gotta ask how do you plan to run the 97 2.3 DIS in an 85?

 

[85rangerproject]

Out of curiosity....I gotta ask how do you plan to run the 97 2.3 DIS in an 85?

I’ll be using the electronics and ecm from the 97

 

[PlumCrazy]

I’ll be using the electronics and ecm from the 97

Where do you plan to mount the ECM? I am planning on a 95-97 4.0 swap into an 85 and haven't decided what route to go for mounting it.

 

[85rangerproject]

The goal is to mount it in the original location behind the passenger side kick panel. I’ll probably have to extend the harness but that seems to be the best place for it.

 

[1991 Blue danger ranger]

The goal is to mount it in the original location behind the passenger side kick panel. I’ll probably have to extend the harness but that seems to be the best place for it.

if you're extending the harness be VERY careful when splicing/soldering/ connecting wires, any connection is opportunity for resistance to increase which can mess with the values the computer receives, which can do a huge number of things to your engine, none of which are good

 

[85rangerproject]

if you're extending the harness be VERY careful when splicing/soldering/ connecting wires, any connection is opportunity for resistance to increase which can mess with the values the computer receives, which can do a huge number of things to your engine, none of which are good

I do a lot of electrical and wiring repairs at the shop I work at, you’re definitely right. A lot can get thrown off.