A4LD swap

[Rabbithunter]

New join here. I have a 90 4.0 ranger and a 91 2.9 donor. I’m looking at swapping the auto for the manual. Is there anything I should be aware of before jumping into this swap?

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

You will need the computer from a 1990/91 4.0l Auto Ranger, I think 1992 would work as well

The A4LD from 1989 to 1994 has 2 computer controlled solenoids, one locks torque converter, the other engages OverDrive

 

[Rabbithunter]

I think I read right. I’m going from an Auto to the manual. The 90 being the auto and the donor 91 being the manual. Will there be any drive shaft length difference?

 

[RonD]

Sorry, I read manual to auto

You will need the computer from 1990-1992 4.0l Manual or the CEL(check engine light) will be on all the time, but it will drive OK with 4.0l Auto computer, just higher idle

Are both extended cab?
Are both 2WD?

If both are the same the 2.9l driveshaft will work

 

[Rabbithunter]

Both are single cab 4wd

 

[RonD]

4.0l Regular cab 4x4 is rare, not a unicorn just not common

But I wouldn't use the 2.9l Mitsubishi FM146 transmission on the 4.0l, you can of course, just won't last long with the 4.0ls extra torque, but that's just speculation, could last 20+ years
2.9l front and rear drive shaft will work


I would look for 4.0l M5OD-R1(M5R1) 4x4 transmission