2.3L 2WD Manual Transmission Swap?

[Mylesofsmyles]

I've just bought my dream truck...a 1985 2wd Ranger w/ 2.3L engine.

It's everything I wanted, short of a manual transmission.

I've performed manual transmission swaps on various vehicles, in the past. So, doing so on this truck, is no stress.

I'm just trying to get an idea for what I'm dealing with/looking for.

The obvious...pedal box, flywheel, clutch & pressure plate.

Will I need to get a different x-member or driveshaft?

Can I reuse my existing speedo cable?

Are these hydraulic or cable clutch systems?

Seems there are three different types of O.E. transmissions...is there an ideal one to find?

 

[fordboy077]

it is a ezeay swap did it to my 85 with a 2.8 u need the bolt in pleat for a st in the miled of the truck i used the same crossmember and speedo hydraulic is the best way 1 day swap

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

What about the different transmission types, is there a preferred?

Will pedal boxes from later gen Rangers fit my 85?

I see mid 90's Rangers, with bad motors...will they be a good donor vehicle?

 

[adsm08]

The 88 and later pedal can be put in your bracket, but if you use the 88+ pedal you must use the later clutch switch with them, or just leave it bypassed.

The preferred trans is the M5OD, and you can get one out of any 4-cyl from 88 to 2000. Pre-95 is best for your application. You may need a new speedo cable as it is longer than earlier transmissions. Same thing for the drive shaft.

 

[Mark_88]

Yes^^

I did an 88 2.9 auto into an 88 2.0/2.3 manual...the bracket was designed for either so I just had to pull the retainer, slide off the big brake pedal and then use the spacers in between the brake and clutch pedal and pop it back in...the brake booster pedal is in the position same regardless...and the clutch cover plate just unbolts to slide in the master...

Really easy if you have everything from the same year to swap though...like Adsm08 said...

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

I found a '94 Ranger 5-speed, however it's setup for a driver (left) side starter...

Mine is on the right hand side.

 

[adsm08]

Sounds like it is from a 3.0L. You have to get one from a 4-cylinder.

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

Sounds like it is from a 3.0L. You have to get one from a 4-cylinder.

I think I'll wait for a donor vehicle...

Ad says it's from a 4-cylinder tho.

 

[adsm08]

I think I'll wait for a donor vehicle...

Ad says it's from a 4-cylinder tho.

The number of people I have seen online who think that a 4-cylinder is the same as a 4-liter and can't identify a 2.9 to save their live (for those who don't know the 2.9 intake has "2.9L Electronic Fuel Injection" cast into it in huge letters) leaves me with little faith in the on-line claims of people I have never met.

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

The number of people I have seen online who think that a 4-cylinder is the same as a 4-liter and can't identify a 2.9 to save their live (for those who don't know the 2.9 intake has "2.9L Electronic Fuel Injection" cast into it in huge letters) leaves me with little faith in the on-line claims of people I have never met.

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

Will all the puzzle pieces bolt-in, from a 2nd gen truck?

Trying to keep my options open, for a sub-$500 donor vehicle.

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

Found a 2002 2.3L Ranger...

Smashed in the front with frame damage.

It's CHEAP!

Transmission will bolt in to my truck? Flywheel too?

Do you know if it'll be the right driveshaft?

Will the pedal box work?

A lotta questions, I know...but I don't want it, if it isn't worth the time and money.

 

[stsalvage]

this truck is gutless

1996 Ranger extended cab 2.3 5 speed.Could this truck have a snow gear in it First gear has very little pull to it. 2 is worst and 3 has a little better but not impressed.But the one thing it dose not lack in is miles per gallon full take and 575 miles later its empty.I own a 1991 with a 4.0 with a 5 speed and i get 225 out of a tank but i have a 8.8 rear end in it with 4.10 gears.One thing i like to know why is the clutch in the 2.3 so easy to push in and the one in my 4.0 is so hard plus my 1991 clutch has 9 years of service on it from towing.let me know ok

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

1996 Ranger extended cab 2.3 5 speed.Could this truck have a snow gear in it First gear has very little pull to it. 2 is worst and 3 has a little better but not impressed.But the one thing it dose not lack in is miles per gallon full take and 575 miles later its empty.I own a 1991 with a 4.0 with a 5 speed and i get 225 out of a tank but i have a 8.8 rear end in it with 4.10 gears.One thing i like to know why is the clutch in the 2.3 so easy to push in and the one in my 4.0 is so hard plus my 1991 clutch has 9 years of service on it from towing.let me know ok

Let you know? Like you'd sell it as a parts truck?

 

[Insanejughead]

Will pedal boxes from later gen Rangers fit my 85?

The 88 and later pedal can be put in your bracket.

The shaft that the pedals are attached to will not interchange from Gen 3 to Gen 1 and vice-versa, as I found out in my '94 (Gen 2 dash). If you want the Gen 3 pedals, you'll need the support bracket for them as well.

So, ADSM might be right about '88-'92, but '93+ are different and won't work with just a simple pedal swap since the shaft on which they rotate are different sizes between the years.