A4ld to M5OD-R1

[Denisefwd93]

Looks like these are easier to find then the HD. I'm not going to plow, run rocks and ridges.

Can I get some more details on the change out/over?

I'm not a slouch in all this. (retired HVAC business owner, my son and I used to restore other cars)

The tech articles seem to leave out or assume allot!

The Beast is a 4wd 93 4.0 long bed short cab, A4ld and long one piece drive shaft, electric transfer case. Looks like an 8.8 rear.

Length overall of the the in and out transmissions and T-cases are the same?

Mounts? cross member? Keep the T case, or get one for the M50D?

Steering wheel park/neutral lock removal?

Please add any tiny details that aren't mentioned in the Tech section?

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

 

[4x4junkie]

The M5OD-R1 (not HD) would be the correct trans Ford would've used in your model had it been a stick, so it should be a direct swap (t-case is same, and I think the trans mount is same too, though this is a very easy switch should it not be same... crossmember is same).
The A4LD and M5OD are also the same length (so no need for different driveshafts).

Hope that helps

 

[Denisefwd93]

The M5OD-R1 (not HD) would be the correct trans Ford would've used in your model had it been a stick, so it should be a direct swap (t-case is same, and I think the trans mount is same too, though this is a very easy switch should it not be same... crossmember is same).
The A4LD and M5OD are also the same length (so no need for different driveshafts).

Hope that helps

Thanks 4x4! helps allot!

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, the swap is a fairly bolt-in affair.

The block plate and starter need changed because the flywheel and flex plates are different diameters. I think the bolts at the crank might be different lengths as well.


You will need to get a plug for the reverse light switch and hook that up. You will also need to take the wires for the park/neutral circuit and wire them together where the trans range sensor was or it won't crank.

A clutch safety switch is optional, but recommended. The connector should be in the dash harness already, with a jumper plug in it. It will be a 6-ish pin connector with a plastic dead-end-amajig in it, looks like it goes no where.

 

[Denisefwd93]

Clutch switch is a VERY necessary! too easy to get or cause hurt without it.

Block plate?

 

[adsm08]

From a safety standpoint the clutch switch is important. From a function standpoint, meaning what do you need to make this work, it is optional.

The block plate is a stamped steel piece that goes between the engine and trans. It is important to have in there because it is how Ford locates the starter. Not having it there can cause poor starter engagement.

 

[Denisefwd93]

ADSM so this block plate looks like? and is it usually lost by those that salvage/save parts?

 

[SenorNoob]

It looks like a thick piece of tin mostly in the shape of the bellhousing on the transmission. If you didn't pull the engine and transmission apart yourself, it's probably gone....

 

[Denisefwd93]

It looks like a thick piece of tin mostly in the shape of the bellhousing on the transmission. If you didn't pull the engine and transmission apart yourself, it's probably gone....

I guessed as much.. Still unsure what/where I'm headed, the Beast has Auto.

I may find a 4.4 auto trans with Tcase and have the Trans rebuilt.

Going to 5 speed is great but It gets expensive using shops since my son isn't here and any help I get is reluctant to work in my yard where I can keep a close eye on the progress LOL

 

[Denisefwd93]

the M50D is not very easy to find locally!

I re-read the tech page. is this true? Parts people say no about the smaller V6s when wanting to couple up to the 4.0
but the tech page says this

Mazda M50D-R1 M
1988 & Up 4-Cylinder Rangers
1988-1992 2.9L 2WD Rangers
1991-2000 4.0L Ranger
1991 - Up 3.0L Ranger
5-Speed
3.40 / 2.05 / 1.31 / 1.00 / 0.79 / Reverse = 3.40(4.0L Engines)
3.72 / 2.20 / 1.50 / 1.00 / 0.79 / Reverse = 3.40 (All Other Engines)

 

[redhurricane]

the 2.3 bell housing is a different bell pattern than the 2.9/4.0- they do not interchange. Because you have the 4.0, you'll want the taller gear ratios that came in the 2.9/4.0 trans anyway unless you are going to do a lot of slow rock crawling.

Open your search up to 91-94 explorers as well, some had the M5OD-R1 in them as well.

 

[adsm08]

You can put a 2.9 M5OD on a 4.0 without problems. The issue with those is that they basically did not exist in a 4x4 form. They were about as common as the diesels and twin tanks and a little less so than the 4-cyl 4x4.

 

[Denisefwd93]

I had no idea this was going to be such a difficult search!

 

[Denisefwd93]

I'm finding transmissions in larger salvage yards in the area by using later model numbers like 99 98 my T-case will bolt on?

 

[4x4junkie]

The t-case itself should bolt on a later M5OD no problem, however some (post-'04 I think?) didn't have the threaded bosses for the manual t-case shift lever. I think you said you have the electric-shifted t-case, so no worries.