94 3.0 5 sp manual which trans will fit

[roadcow]

This is a 2 wd Super Cab with the trans stuck in 4th, and I mean stuck!
I've searched the forum and read the trans specs at the top of the page which state;

'91-current Rangers with the 3.0 engine:
The Mazda M5OD-R1 is the only manual trans used in Rangers with this engine


'88-current production Rangers with 4cyl engines both 2wd and 4x4 (including the 2.0(carb),
2.3, 2.5 and (new) 2.3 DOHC will be a Mazda M5OD-R1.
this is the only manual trans factory intalled behind four cylinder engines
in Rangers after the beginning of the 1988 model year

Now I see that I need the Mazda M5OD-R1 but it looks like I can use one out of a 2.3 or 2.5 4cyll. but Murphys law will always enter and the output shaft splines will be different etc.
I've been told that only 3.0 Trans will work. I'm a bit confused to say the least. Any help from someone whose been there done that would be greatly appreciated. By the way whoever has the tag line that you can't kill a 3.0 is correct!

 

[TireIron]

Yes ONLY a transmission from a 3.0 2wd truck will bolt in for you. It can however be ANY 3.0 2wd truck from 91 till 08. The 3.0L bellhousing bolt pattern is different from all the other engines and the output between 2wd and 4wd are different, so you need the specific 3.0L 2wd M5OD. It's not a very difficult tranny to find however so it shouldn't be hard to get one.

 

[roadcow]

Thanks I was thinking that was the case.