Broken shifter assembly

[1991fordrangerKobe]

Hey guys my buddy has a 1987 ford ranger that has a 2.3l 4cyl engine in it that has a diesel transmission in it but no idea what kind of tranny it is. He has a cracked shifter assembly which the part number for it is Ford E6TZ-7210-C but the problem is they are currently unavailable because the part is discontinued so does anyone know where i can get one or what other shift assembly mounts up to his?

This is what his assembly looks like as a representation.
https://www.amazon.com/Ford-E6TZ-7210-C-LEVER-TRANSMISSION/dp/B000O0PDRQ?tag=959media-20

 

[Dirtman]

Have it welded.

 

[1991fordrangerKobe]

Definitely have thought about welding it but is there any newer shift assembly's that can be put on that would work

 

[1990RangerinSK]

Here are some possible sources to get you started.

https://www.google.com/search?q=E6TZ-7210-C

 

[RonD]

Check out Cobra they may still have them: https://cobratransmission.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_1824

About half way down the page

 

[Shran]

I'm assuming this is an FM-145 transmission? That is kinda the thing we need to know here, there should be a tag somewhere on it that has a model number. Or at least a picture of it would help.

What part broke off? The plastic ball on the end is usually the problem with those and good luck finding one, they're out there, but even 10 years ago when I ditched my FM-145 they were super hard to find.

I am assuming the 2.3 is a gas engine and the trans came out of a diesel truck? If that's the case you can upgrade to a M5OD trans...

 

[1991fordrangerKobe]

Yes that is exactly whats broke and yeah im never going to find one

 

[RonD]

Yes, I second the switch to an M5OD-R1(M5R1) 5 speed manual

2.3l gas engine got these in 1988, and used them until mid-2001(2.5l)

M5R1 is engine specific, so you need one from a 2.3l Lima engine
Also 2WD or 4x4 specific

Also the speedometer hook up on 2WD trans was removed in 1998, so 1997 or earlier will be OK

Drive shaft will need to be changed to a 1988 to 1992 model matching regular or extended cab which ever 1987 is

Used M5R1 is not to big of a gamble, they were good transmissions, replace the 3 rubber plugs on the top rear of shifter housing, they did tend to leak when older

 

[Shran]

Wish I could help ya out, I have a spare FM-146 with a good shifter but it's different enough that it won't work.

You didn't mention if the truck was 4 wheel drive or not - if it's a 2wd truck, should be super easy to swap a M5OD into... 4x4, 4 cylinder M5OD is quite a bit harder to find but they're out there.

I would really think about doing a trans swap unless you are very good at sourcing junkyard parts.