2001 Ranger 4x4 auto to manual swap?!!?

[mke41017]

Hello there guys, Im new here and have a question. First, Ive done searching on this, and can only find info on the older Rangers. SO, Im not sure if the same info would apply to me or not. My truck is a 2001 Ranger xlt 4x4 with the 5spd auto. and electronic 4x4 case. I want to go to a 5spd, BUT do I have to switch to a manual t-case??? Ive heard HORROR stories about them and dont want to change something if I don't have to. Also, can somebody tell me what all Ill need for the swap, minus the trans, pedals, etc.??? Do I need the computer, or can I use my Troyer tuner to fix it??(I can get a new program from them....) How much am I lookin at money wise to swap this out...?? Ill be doing the labor, just curious about the tranny cost. And finally, what years tranny's will fit?? Does it have to be the same year? OH yeah, my engine is the 4.0sohc if that helps.....Thanks in advance guys. Im dying to get this done ASAP.


Mike

 

[07rangersport]

You say that you don't want to change anything you don't have to... so why waste the money to go from the auto to the manual. The manual transmissions are weaker and your towing capacity drops to less than 50% of the capacity of the auto. And you've got the 5spd auto, so you won't gain any mpg. Sounds like more work than its worth to me. I've done this swap before in a car it was a pain in the a$$.

 

[exbass94]

Even though I'm the unofficial-official defender of the RBV auto trannies, I wouldn't say that the manuals are weaker. In fact, they're probably stronger. The main reason why the towing capacity is less if because Ford is worried about morons who can't drive toasting clutches from towing while the truck is still under warranty. Now that that's outta the way, go ahead and rebuild your auto! It'll last you a good long time but change the fluid regularly!!

 

[07rangersport]

Even though I'm the unofficial-official defender of the RBV auto trannies, I wouldn't say that the manuals are weaker. In fact, they're probably stronger. The main reason why the towing capacity is less if because Ford is worried about morons who can't drive toasting clutches from towing while the truck is still under warranty. Now that that's outta the way, go ahead and rebuild your auto! It'll last you a good long time but change the fluid regularly!!

I do know that the clutch is the reason the towing capacity drops.. so ford doesn't have to warranty clutches where guys are riding them off of a start. When I bought my 07 I thought about getting a manual but the dealership told me that the manual trans is weaker than the auto.. I second the auto rebuild. anyway you decide good luck.

 

[mke41017]

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies.....The main reason I want to do this is, basically I just hate autos....especially this one. It's been rebuilt, and even with the Troyer tuner, its still sloppy. I also must point out that this truck doesnt tow anything and is mainly an OFF road ONLY vehicle. In fact, Im gettin all the parts I need now for a solid-axle swap later.... The manual tranny is nicer, I think, for off road....with the torque of the 4.0 especially...Ive driven a FX4 with a manual, and it was NICE. Since I have posted this, I did find a long post on here about the swap and was reading it, but it isnt finished yet. Well, wish me luck guys.....!!

Oh yeah, one more thing, I know this isnt a transmission question but my truck just started making this creaking, like metal-to-metal noise when turning the steering, mostly to the left.....Is this a common thing??? Im thinking its the rack and pinion....but havent been able to look. It just started all at once. I just wanted to see if anybody else has had this happen.....thanks again!!

 

[07rangersport]

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies.....The main reason I want to do this is, basically I just hate autos....especially this one. It's been rebuilt, and even with the Troyer tuner, its still sloppy. I also must point out that this truck doesnt tow anything and is mainly an OFF road ONLY vehicle. In fact, Im gettin all the parts I need now for a solid-axle swap later.... The manual tranny is nicer, I think, for off road....with the torque of the 4.0 especially...Ive driven a FX4 with a manual, and it was NICE. Since I have posted this, I did find a long post on here about the swap and was reading it, but it isnt finished yet. Well, wish me luck guys.....!!

Oh yeah, one more thing, I know this isnt a transmission question but my truck just started making this creaking, like metal-to-metal noise when turning the steering, mostly to the left.....Is this a common thing??? Im thinking its the rack and pinion....but havent been able to look. It just started all at once. I just wanted to see if anybody else has had this happen.....thanks again!!

ball joints

 

[Jspafford]

I do know that the clutch is the reason the towing capacity drops.. so ford doesn't have to warranty clutches where guys are riding them off of a start. When I bought my 07 I thought about getting a manual but the dealership told me that the manual trans is weaker than the auto.. I second the auto rebuild. anyway you decide good luck.

Yeah, and the dealers never lie. The auto's also make the cost of the truck higher. Meaning the dealer and salesman make more if you believe them, which it sounds like you did.

There is NO way an auto would outlive a manual if the manual was driven properly.

Also, it's the auto transfer cases, like the one you currently have that are the problem. The manual cases are bulletproof.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

You say that you don't want to change anything you don't have to... so why waste the money to go from the auto to the manual. The manual transmissions are weaker and your towing capacity drops to less than 50% of the capacity of the auto. And you've got the 5spd auto, so you won't gain any mpg. Sounds like more work than its worth to me. I've done this swap before in a car it was a pain in the a$$.

I've never seen an RBV automatic go anywhere NEAR as long as a Mazda M5OD without a rebuild.

Anyway, I've completed this swap on my 98 4x4 Ranger and it was worth every penny. After having my 4R44E go out TWICE within 75k (I guess asking it to downshift properly was an issue), I said screw it and went with an M5OD. I won't ever be buying another automatic Ranger if I can help it.

Talk to AllanD. He set me up with everything I needed for the conversion at a GREAT price. He even has manual 1354 tcases available.

 

[mke41017]

Thanks. I will talk to him about getting a price for the conversion.....One question though(maybe he can answer).....Can I use my auto trans-case? Or do I need to go to the manual? Its not that big of a deal I dont guess, just curious. I can't wait to get this done.....It'll be fun to drive...

 

[Jspafford]

Your auto shift case will still work.