'86 BII A4LD to M50D-R1 transmission swap.....

[mjonesjr]

How hard would this be? I have read the A4LD to FM145 swap sticky. I just did a manual swap on a '97 Ranger and it wasn't all that hard.

Questions:
1. If I use the M50D-R1 out of a 4.0, will I have to move the transmission crossmember?

2. What wiring colors will be needed to hook up the backup lights to the manual?

3. Is there a CPP (Clutch Pedal Position) switch on the inside of the BII to make the PCM work properly?

4. To use a 4.0 clutch, do I use the 6 or 8 bolt 4.0 flywheel on the 2.9?


I am sure I will have more as it comes around to actually swapping...

 

[kunar]

the cross member is already where it needs to be. the clutch switch is only to keep you from starting it in gear, and you need a 6 bolt flywheel. the wiring colors i dont remember but i think on my truck, it was a solid black and a pink/black on the truck side on the trans, it was black and green i think but i dont remember. this was also with an fm145

 

[Hahnsb2]

Yeah, the FM146 and M50D are the same length as the A4LD, the 145 is shorter, everything should line up including driveshafts. You don't need the clutch start switch, mine somehow broke when I was camping so I ripped it out and just jumped the connector, been like that since august. Yes 6 bolt flywheel, 8 bolt I believe was used on the SOHC 4.0s.

 

[mjonesjr]

i would like to put the CPP in so it is more stock...

thanks for the information.....i found a FM145, BW1350M, front & rear drivershafts, and transmission crossmember for $50....

 

[MAKG]

It's a nice price, but I wouldn't put an FM145 into a vehicle if it was free.

The most common problems are whining in every gear but 4th, followed by whiny 5th alone. The input bearings are C R A P, and overdrive is insufficiently oiled for heavy use such as towing.

 

[mjonesjr]

i also found a FM146 for $100 not too far from the FM145........i might buy them both...the t-case and linkage from the FM145 is worth the $50 (the linkage with the FM145 is for a FM146).....

 

[MAKG]

You won't need the driveshafts, then.

An FM146 is the same length as A4LD and M5OD.

But I wouldn't put one of those in for free either, for the same reason. FM146s are identical to FM145s except for the extension housing (transfer case adapter) and mainshaft length.

 

[mjonesjr]

well crap......i am having a HARD time finding a M50D for any good price....i don't want to spend a fortune on the swap.....my total budget right now is $1000, and i just $350 on the Bronco II....

 

[MAKG]

It's true you're finding some amazing prices.

Have you expanded your search to include Exploders and Aerostars? Just don't get an M5OD from behind a 3.0L or 5.0L (4.0L and 2.9L are fine). Almost all Exploders have 4.0Ls, and manual Exploders aren't that rare.

2.9L M5ODs are slightly "better" (wider gear ratios), but you'll do fine with a 4.0L one. The latter are substantially more common.

Note that later (EEC-V) M5ODs have minor differences, but these aren't a big enough deal to kill the idea. One bellhousing bolt hole doesn't line up (but seven do), and there is no neutral switch. There may also be an issue with stick positioning (not sure).

 

[mjonesjr]

i found a M50D-R1 out of a '94 4.0 Ranger for $390 shipped.....that is what I was hoping to spend total on the swap...is that a good price? or if I pull it myself at the local pull it yard, it is $350 for one....IF they have one...

i can't get an Aerostar's transmission because I need a 4wd transmission....

 

[Hahnsb2]

Sounds pretty good. I've however have never had a a 146 fail on me with 25K miles of my abuse and it was run very low on oil when I got it and it was motor oil to boot. The input bearing noise was there but it wasn't too bad and never got any worse. I finally swapped just because I had a better one, still worked fine. FWIW I've seen one FM146 fail, a TK5, an M5OD and an A4LD fail in other peoples rigs. I know the M5OD is a much better tranny But I dont think the 145 or 146 is as bad as people make it out to be, just don't put one behind a 4.0.

 

[mjonesjr]

yea i might get them both and then run the FM146...

 

[mjonesjr]

any info on the wiring colors or how to bypass the neutral safety switch if i put in the M50D?

 

[mjonesjr]

also, i was told the 2.9's use the flywheel for balance along with a harmonic balancer. if i put in the 4.0 flywheel and clutch, will it throw the balance of the engine off?

 

[MAKG]

No, 2.9Ls have separately balanced flywheels and crankshafts just like 4.0Ls. You can mix'n'match, or install the flywheel in any orientation.

It IS possible that you might get some unexpected harmonics from the 4.0L flywheel, because it is heavier and (more importantly) has a larger radius. But I haven't heard of complaints of shaking from this change.