5 spd swap

[johndough]

Hi there. I have a 1988 Ford Ranger 4WD with the 2.9L and I currently have an automatic transmission with OD. I am curious of a 5spd manual swap, how much it would cost total for a mechanic shop to install, the transmission itself, and other stuff. What would the estimated total be for the parts + labor? Thanks all.

 

[Curious Hound]

Hi there. I have a 1988 Ford Ranger 4WD with the 2.9L and I currently have an automatic transmission with OD. I am curious of a 5spd manual swap, how much it would cost total for a mechanic shop to install, the transmission itself, and other stuff. What would the estimated total be for the parts + labor? Thanks all.

You night do better asking local shops. Labor rates vary regionally due to cost of living. Transmission price will vary by model of transmission and availability. In my area, I could buy a transmission from the junk yard for about $230. Then I would need the $13 shift linkage. On top of that, you need flywheel, clutch, clutch master and slave cylinders plus hose, clutch pedal assembly, etc. I would guess overall, around $500 - $750 for parts. And a full 8 hrs of labor.

But that's a very generalized ballpark guess. If your truck is filthy and rusty and they have trouble getting fasteners out, etc. That adds up. I believe part of the exhaust needs to come out to do the job. That can be a bear on old vehicles.

 

[Blmpkn]

What he said.

If the mechanic has a bolt break/round off due to rust or something that can turn a 15 minute task into an hour+ real quick.

 

[Curious Hound]

Forgot to mention... If using a junk yard transmission, it might need to be rebuilt. More parts and labor.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^
You would use a 1990-1997 4.0l M5R1 4WD trans in this swap

Most shops will only use new or trusted rebuilt parts for ANY work, so M5R1 4WD transmission would run at least $1,000
4.0l clutch kit with 4.0l flywheel and Master $300
Floor plate for shifter and boots, as available, $100-$400
New/rebuilt front and rear driveshafts, $350
1988 2.9l manual trans computer, $120

Shop may or may not do the job based on using a new transfer case, they have to warranty the changes so transfer case issue could cause an issue YOU think is their fault, so they may insist on new/rebuilt transfer case, about $650
Might want to change to a Manual shift transfer case at this time


Yes, I would estimate 8 to 10 hours labor at local rates, $75-$125/hour

 

[gaz]

JohnDough,

Making changes like this are only practical if done with a good comrade at home over free libations or a handshake. RonD has very accurately outlined what I would expect; the real culprit is the shop's vulnerability and that they must stand behind the job.

I wouldn't do it for someone I didn't know without all new parts, even then I am hanging on a sharp liability hook. When my buddy helps me, it's never his fault to me, it's my fault, unless everything works well, then it was our fault.

If you really want a 5 speed, buying a 5 speed vehicle would no dought be cheaper, if you are unable to perform the operation yourself.

 

[bobbywalter]

JohnDough,

Making changes like this are only practical if done with a good comrade at home over free libations or a handshake. RonD has very accurately outlined what I would expect; the real culprit is the shop's vulnerability and that they must stand behind the job.

I wouldn't do it for someone I didn't know without all new parts, even then I am hanging on a sharp liability hook. When my buddy helps me, it's never his fault to me, it's my fault, unless everything works well, then it was our fault.

If you really want a 5 speed, buying a 5 speed vehicle would no dought be cheaper, if you are unable to perform the operation yourself.

I would say this is a fair assessment.



But...as always it depends an where you live and what compromise your willing to live with.


A volume off road shop can turnkey this under 2500 in non emissions zip codes in a few days. Depends on what they specialize in. These are few and far between...

Last one I did took 3 days and less then ideal the way the e shift is installed and ended up.. the cluster had to be swapped along with the pcm and engine harness to get it all right.

 

[ecgreen]

You night do better asking local shops. Labor rates vary regionally due to cost of living. Transmission price will vary by model of transmission and availability. In my area, I could buy a transmission from the junk yard for about $230. Then I would need the $13 shift linkage. On top of that, you need flywheel, clutch, clutch master and slave cylinders plus hose, clutch pedal assembly, etc. I would guess overall, around $500 - $750 for parts. And a full 8 hrs of labor.

But that's a very generalized ballpark guess. If your truck is filthy and rusty and they have trouble getting fasteners out, etc. That adds up. I believe part of the exhaust needs to come out to do the job. That can be a bear on old vehicles.

450+ up here. Cant find n M50D with less than 150,000 for any cheaper.