4.0L Manual Transmission Swap Question

[oldfaithful]

Hello All,

I've been using this forum for quite some time as a technical resource, and let me say that it's been GREAT! Thanks!

There is 1 item that I'm having trouble finding throughout my many searches, so I"m posting this question. If its been posted already, but I've missed it, please feel free to just direct me there and delete this post.

I have a '97 Mazda B4000 4X4 with the 4.0L, M5OD-R1 transmission & 3.73L gears. It runs fine, but seems to lack the proper gearing in 1st or 2nd. I'm content with the rear gear since it cruises the interstate just fine, and I don't want to push the RPMs any higher while cruising. It just has no torque in 1st gear and has always seemed like it requires a bit more clutch to engage 1st than I like. The specs say that 1st is 3.40 and that's what I'd like to change. I've read that it's possible to swap another M5OD from a 2.9, which would have the alternate gear ratios (3.72 for 1st).

A) Is this a good swap?
B) Is there a better way to improve (aka lower) 1st & 2nd gear?
C) Will the donor M5OD from the 2.9 have to be from a 4X4, or can I swap the tail and TC onto a 2WD transmission?
D) What years/models should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mobile madness]

Know if ur slave is acting up?

 

[mobile madness]

Also some people r prolly gona jump on u for postin in the wrong place

 

[oldfaithful]

Thanks but no, the clutch master & slave seems be operating normally. I've put about 120k miles on this truck and the clutch seems to be the same as always. I had a '98 Ranger with the 2.5L and M5OD, but it had the other set of gear ratios. I always liked the gearing in that truck better than this with the 4.0L. Regrettably, a deer took that Ranger out of service.

If this is in the wrong forum, I'm sorry. Moderator, please move to the proper forum. Perhaps we'll get even more opinions on this topic. Thanks.

How difficult would it be to swap the internals from one M5OD to another, in case I can't find an M5OD from a 2.9? Are there aftermarket gears that can be swapped into my existing M5OD to change 1st & 2nd?

 

[PlumCrazy]

I have built a few hybrid 2.3/4.0 trannys. Not too hard.

The trans used for the gear donor can be 2wd or 4x4. 2.3 2wd are the most popular.

I literally just swap all the internals into the 4.0 case. If your donor is 2wd you will need to swap the gears onto the 4x4 output shaft.

Any M5OD-R1 from 89ish to 2012 will work as a donor. I prefer using 95+ top plates because they have a shorter shifter throw. Somewhere in the late 90's they began coating the synchros in a grippy wear resistant stuff that makes for a smoother shift.

Do a little searching for Hybrid M50Ds on here. I know the info is on the site. (I typed it)

-PlumCrazy

 

[PlumCrazy]

Rebuild kits are ~150 on EBay with new synchros, seals, and bearings. If you have it apart I suggest putting atleast bearings and seals in.

-PlumCrazy