4 banger 4x4 trans options

[weejohn]

i really, really, really want to do a 2.3 4x4 ranger or BII what are my trans options? i've got a empty housing of a m50d for a 4 banger and could get a 4x4 model from a 4.0 and swap the guts. that's 1. i've also got a toyokogyo that i think i have a 4 banger bellhousing so that's 2. but what else is there and is there anything in the way of an automatic. would prefer it had OD but i'll listen to ideas.

 

[Ranger44]

You can get the M5od-1 5spd for it. I have that. In order to get tha 4x4 tail-housing onto the 2wd trans, you'll have to totally disassemble the transmissions. But it should work. It's the same tranny just different bolt patterns. I wouldn't use the toyo, they are considerably weaker. I also wouldn't use an A4LD (auto) They are weak and useless. You could pick up a later 44RE, but these are computer contolled. The Mazda M50d is the most relible IMHO.

 

[TireIron]

Yea, if you know how to rebuild an M5OD then go ahead and use the empty 4-cyl housing and swap in everything from the 4x4 M5OD, the parts that are different between 2wd and 4wd are the output shaft and the tailhousing. If you can't rebuild one then try and find a 2.3 4x4 tranny and just bolt it in, they weren't common but there are certainly enough of them out there. The one I have in my truck was a 2wd 2.3 tranny rebuilt with the output shaft and tailhousing from a 4x4 tranny.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yeah, just use a 2.3L 4WD trans. If you can't locate one, then find a 3.0L one to swap parts from. The gear ratios in the 4.0L ones are not as well suited for a 2.3L.