302 conversion tranny

[Papasquatch21]

Hey all, first time poster, long time lurker. I picked up a 1997 ranger 3.0, 4wd about 5 months ago. 2 owner, 300k miles, manual, all original. The motor is getting towards the end of its life, but i love the truck too much to let her go. I plan on dropping in a 302 with my buddies as a project. Im having trouble deciding on a transmission to go with the swap. I want to stay manual, but I've heard mixed opinions on different setups. One option is the M5ODR2 out of a 97-03 f150, another ive heard is to just get the M5ODR1 thats in it built. I plan on building the motor before I put in in to push about 350-400 horses and using the truck as a fun off-roader and light tow vehicle, so any advice from the more experienced members would be greatly appreciated

 

[sheep herder]

The M5ODR1 won't bolt up to a 302 and it wouldn't hold up to that kind of power anyway.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The M5ODR1 won't bolt up to a 302 and it wouldn't hold up to that kind of power anyway.

R2 won’t like those power projections either.

If you are going to push it hard T18/19, ZF or C6.

 

[Papasquatch21]

Do any of those bolt in with as little effort as the R2? I've heard the ZF needs a body lift to fit. Its getting a 4 inch suspension lift, but are there any other factors to look out for? I apologize for the lack of knowledge, this is gonna be my first engine swap

 

[19Walt93]

A C4 can handle that much power if it's built properly. As in not Jasper or Blueprint. Check out PA transmissions, for example. I'd do some research about the rest of your drivetrain, too.