Asking you because you people know!

[Anezangl]

I have a 94 ranger, 4 wheel drive. Been though more trannys ( M50d-R1 ) than I can count on one hand. Number six is on its way out now! I have always wanted to put a V8 in the truck and keep driving it because it was my fathers only new vehicle purchase his whole life and now its mine. I have a chance to buy a 1967 289 out of a mustang. 30 over w/ 302 heads, backed up by a built C4 transmission. The needed ranger oil pan, headers for a ranger, MSD, holley 650 etc are already on it. My question is, is this all good with the 4 wheel transfer case? Am I correct in thinking that the 302 is a 289 block? Thank for your time!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

They are similar but different, 302's had slightly longer piston skirts to go with the longer stroke. I think I read somewhere that the really late 289's had a 302 block but don't hold me to it. The really early ones (way earlier than '67) had a goofy bellhousing boltpattern, the later ones had the same boltpattern as a 302/351W.

The C4 will need pretty much stripped down and rebuilt with a 4wd extension housing to fit your choice of transfer case.

 

[baddad457]

289-302 = same thing. only real difference is the stroke (2.87 vs 3.00) and rod length. The 289 rods are slightly longer. Same pistons fit both engines.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

My question is, HOW THE HELL DO YOU KILL 6 TRANSMISSIONS!?!?! haha. Your information was posted already in the first reply. There are subtle differences in the 289 and 302 blocks depending on the year it was cast.

 

[Anezangl]

Gofast, I have struggled with that question for years now! I have replaced with brand new from ford, used from junk yard, rebuilt, re-manufactured etc.... on and on with the same result! Understand that my ranger is my daily driver to work and back home, that's all it does, haven't locked in the four wheel in couple years and that was only to get off the highway to a pond to do some bass fishing! My opinion is that the M50d-R1 is just a piece of junk! Tranny is the only problem I have had with the ranger and its is ready to turn over 300 thousand in a few months.

 

[baddad457]

About the only way to kill an M5ODR1 is to let it run out of oil. That will happen with the stock rubber shift plugs up top leaking. When I did my swap ten years ago, the original M5ODR1 was still working. I had let it run short of oil due to the above problem, but fixed the plugs, drained the oil, replaced it with 40 weight motor oil and it was fine after.

 

[Anezangl]

Hey Baddad, yup I put the dorman plugs in all but the original, of the M5od-R1's. I checked the oil in this on Monday night, it was full. Hey, you ride a bagger? ( Baddad )?

 

[Anezangl]

Well as they say you snooze you loose................the engine tranny combo I was speaking about was sold today,,, BUT!!! I found another combo just like it in the Midwest!! What does a 302 and C4 combo weigh? Trying to figure the freight cost to get it here? This one is Show chromed n junk!

 

[baddad457]

302 weighs around 450 pounds. A C-4 weighs somewhere above 100 pounds. Bagger ? NEVER !

 

[Anezangl]

Thank you for the info Baddad. Guess I jumped the gun on the "Bagger" assumption. Baddad is the name of a very successful Harley Davidson aftermarket customization company with bagger's being their specialty.... So about 550 pounds...........

 

[BLOODBANE]

If you go with the C-4, go to the junkyard and find the tailshaft and Dana 20 out of a early Bronco (its what they came with if they had an auto if Im correct). The 20 is narrow and fits nicely between the frame rails. In the future if you want to upgrade it there are parts available, or like I plan on doing is to just go with the Atlas(bolts up) You will lose your 4x4 light, but they are stout enough to hold up. I run one behind my 347, and a C-6, and haven't had any issues with it. You will need to have some driveshafts made.

 

[baddad457]

If you need a Dana 20, I have a couple to sell.