At a crossroad with the B2 Build

[ford4wd08]

So, I'm not sure what to do with my rig that was my Papaws at this point.

I just completed the duraspark with the HEI module conversion and the engine runs great, but since it is an '85 I had to do a little extra for the A4LD.

I did the swap and drove the B2 and it ran great and shifted fine 1st - 3rd as expected.

Then I got the pressure switch and drilled and tapped the hole in the boss on the transmission near the tailhousing like mentioned online and in this thread --> https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/85-a4ld-and-duraspark.182201/

Since I did that, the transmission will not upshift at all. I don't know if I did something during the drilling or if I messed up the solenoid for the TC lock up trying to wire it up??

I thought maybe I had messed up the governor, so today I pulled transfer call and removed it and cleaned it today.

It looked brand new, no scoring and moved freely. I reinstalled it and took it for a drive. Same condition. Goes into 1st and Reverse no problem. Will not upshift at all. I can manually shift it to 2nd with the shifter and it will go no problem, but I cannot make it go to 3rd whatsoever.....

So here is where I need to make a decision, I wouldn't mind converting this rig to a 5 speed. I know the swap isn't too complicated, but it would give me manual everything, windows, locks, hubs, and trans. Very easy to maintain.

I just don't know if I should try to dump any money into the A4LD or be on the look out for a manual. I was thinking a FM146 would be fine.

I did just buy a new driveshaft, so the manual would need to be the same length as the A4LD, I'm not sure which manual trans would fit that criteria.

Other than that it is just a pedal assembly and a master cylinder needed right?

What are everyone else's thoughts? I know there are many A4LD haters on here, so I expect this to be biased lol.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Personally id go with atleast a TK5 over the FM146. The mitsus seem to fail more often then the TK's.

An M5OD would be the best option.

 

[ford4wd08]

Personally id go with atleast a TK5 over the FM146. The mitsus seem to fail more often then the TK's.

An M5OD would be the best option.

Been reading some more. Seems like the M5OD is preferred. I think it is the same over all length as the A4LD?

Did the B2 ever come with the M5OD from ford?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Been reading some more. Seems like the M5OD is preferred. I think it is the same over all length as the A4LD?

Did the B2 ever come with the M5OD from ford?

Not sure on the length. But yes the M5OD was used in all rangers/BII's starting in 88.

You would need one from a 2.9/4.0 to bolt up to a 2.8.

 

[ford4wd08]

Not sure on the length. But yes the M5OD was used in all rangers/BII's starting in 88.

You would need one from a 2.9/4.0 to bolt up to a 2.8.

There is a pull apart about 90 miles away that has a 90 model BII with a manual. I might go pull some stuff from it.

My biggest question would be the pedal assembly, I assume I would need one from a 84 or 85, I've read they made changes on them early on.

 

[RobbieD]

Sorry to hear that you're having continuing trouble with the transmission after your Duraspark conversion. I was wondering how you were making out with it.

I was at the same point you are now, with my '90 Bronco II. I really wanted to keep it auto (I liked the column shifter!), but the A4LD was just too problematic. I'm glad that I finally converted mine to manual. It's a lot more fun to drive, less maintenance, less worry, and I have better and cheaper repair options in the years to come.

At least yours will be somewhat easier to convert- you won't have to touch the steering column or instrument cluster. I think that I've heard that the M5OD is the same length as the A4LD. An M5OD out of a '90 B2 would be a good choice, but you'll need to score the pedal assembly from an earlier first generation.

If you do pull some parts from that '90 B2, keep me in mind. I need the plastic steering column covers from a manual truck, and would make it worth your time to get a good set.

 

[ford4wd08]

Just had a thought with all of this..... I don't believe I have ever checked the kickdown lever....... I'm sure that could cause my symptoms.

Guess I've got something to check when I get home tonight. Maybe the spring I put on it is too week, or it is missing all together... Lord I hope it is that simple.....

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

At least yours will be somewhat easier to convert- you won't have to touch the steering column or instrument cluster. I think that I've heard that the M5OD is the same length as the A4LD. An M5OD out of a '90 B2 would be a good choice, but you'll need to score the pedal assembly from an earlier first generation.

83-87 for the pedals.

 

[Shran]

M5OD, A4LD and FM-146 are all the same length. T-case shifter is different between the FM and M5OD's.

I have nothing against the A4LD, I just think rebuilding them is too expensive. Any old 3 speed is maybe a grand to rebuild... less if you know a shade tree builder. A4LD? Double that or more, and you've still got something that's really light duty.

I don't know whether I'd recommend using an FM-146 or M5OD, with the assumption that you're using junkyard parts... either one has its share of issues, the FMs always have crappy shifters and loose input shaft bearings, and the M5's are frequently low on fluid and have wear issues related to that. Maybe you can get real lucky and find a nice one that's been taken care of.

Or be on the lookout for a blown up M5OD and use it as a core and buy a remanufactured one.

 

[ford4wd08]

Wasn't the kick down lever..... It is functioning per intent.

I'm starting to wonder if some drill shavings didn't make there way into the valve body or something?

I don't care to drop it clean it and put a new filter in.

I can put a solenoid and vacuum modulator in it, that's about 50 bucks worth of parts. Might be worth a try. It shifts so smooth into 1st and reverse. Makes me think it is something simple. I just don't where to go next? It shifted great prior to me drilling the hole for pressure switch and trying to wire up solenoid.

It's sad it runs so good now with the duraspark and I can't drive it!

 

[ford4wd08]

I bought a modulator to try today. For $15 figured it was worth a shot. I'll try to get it installed this weekend...

I am really hoping this is the issue. I'm ready to drive this thing.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

As far as the kickdown ive driven them around completly unhooked and the only thing it does is not allow driver initiated downshifts.

 

[Pix3L8]

I did an A4LD to FM-146 swap a few years ago. Things to keep in mind. Front driveshaft will have to be shortened and the rear will have to be lengthened. I swapped my auto t-case for a manual one but that’s personal preference. You will need clutch pedals and the appropriate cylinders which can be hard to come by, ESPECIALLY the clutch line itself. The ones on rock auto and other out parts cites are not correct for the FM-146 I spent weeks digging around junk yards to find the right clutch line for that transmission. It’s recommended to swap ecms when switching trannys, I didn’t and had no issue but I can’t say the same for everyone

 

[Shran]

I did an A4LD to FM-146 swap a few years ago. Things to keep in mind. Front driveshaft will have to be shortened and the rear will have to be lengthened. I swapped my auto t-case for a manual one but that’s personal preference. You will need clutch pedals and the appropriate cylinders which can be hard to come by, ESPECIALLY the clutch line itself. The ones on rock auto and other out parts cites are not correct for the FM-146 I spent weeks digging around junk yards to find the right clutch line for that transmission. It’s recommended to swap ecms when switching trannys, I didn’t and had no issue but I can’t say the same for everyone

Are you SURE you swapped in a '146 and not an FM-145? Your driveshaft comments make me think that you used an FM-145, because it is shorter.

Additionally, the FM-146, M5OD, and A4LD are all the same length. I have replaced a blown up M5OD with an FM-146... you are correct about the clutch line though, BUT, that also depends on the year of truck itself, the line itself, and the slave cylinder... there are about 5 or more variants of each. I also discovered that during the '146 swap.

 

[Pix3L8]

Are you SURE you swapped in a '146 and not an FM-145? Your driveshaft comments make me think that you used an FM-145, because it is shorter.

Additionally, the FM-146, M5OD, and A4LD are all the same length. I have replaced a blown up M5OD with an FM-146... you are correct about the clutch line though, BUT, that also depends on the year of truck itself, the line itself, and the slave cylinder... there are about 5 or more variants of each. I also discovered that during the '146 swap.

The tranny that I used was from an 85’ truck so it is very possible that it was a FM-145 and not an 46