2.3L ('83-'97) 2.3L and 2.8L Spline differences

[TexasDuck66]

Hey there, I've got an 83' Ranger 2.3L 4x4 with a TK4. I finally found a TK5 transmission with a 4WD tailshaft housing that's in really good shape. Only difference is, it's meant for a V6. I know the bellhousing bolt patterns are different but the TK4 bellhousing is interchangeable with this TK5, correct me if I'm wrong on that.

What I wanted to know is if the input shafts are any different since it is meant for the 2.8L? Would I have to change out the input spline to a different one that'll fit my 2.3L? Or is it plug in and play.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I'm pretty sure the clutch plate is the same between the two engines so it should be the same... the way to look it up would be the clutch kit for the two setups, if they're the same then it's the same... my internet sucks or I'd look into it, I was hoping someone else would chime in...

From what I've read over the years the clutches seem to be the same no matter what engine until you get to the 4.0L then the friction disc and pressure plate are a bigger diameter, the main reason you can't put a 4.0L clutch on a 2.3L is there isn't a bigger flywheel available like there is for the 2.8/2.9/4.0L family... but since I only had a 4.0L for like 3 years and it was over 10 years ago I don't remember everything I've read...