2.3L 2WD Manual Transmission Swap?

[fivestring]

I'm getting ready to do a similar swap and would like some confirmation on what parts to get.

1987 xcab, 2wd, 2.9 auto. Keeping the 2.9 but I want a 5 speed. Buying from a recycle yard that is giving me everything I need to make this swap included with the price of a beautiful perfect body truck.

1. So, the M5OD is best tranny? I don't even know what that looks like.

2. What years have those trannys?

3. I am wondering if I need any of the transmission wiring from the manual donor truck?

4. Do I need to swap the ecm from the same donor?

5. Anything else I should be aware of? I know I need a pilot bearing in the crank and probably go with new slave, clutch plate, master(?)

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

I think it's worth asking...

What makes the M5od so high and mighty?

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

I think I'll collect what I need, from a wrecking yard...

Looking for a m5od, from a 88(?)+ 2.3 ranger...what's the newest truck I can use for the trans?

Any particular driveshaft for my '85?

Any insight would be great....converting my '85 from a automatic, so i don't know what from the m5od will work