Confused about transmissions

[lukeburris53]

Heres the deal: I've got a 90 BII 4x4 with an A4LD. A4LD decided not to work anymore so it is currently on the ground with the electric transfer case, as well as the driveshafts. I don't want to fool with another automatic so a 5 speed will be going back in.

From what I understand (which could very well be wrong), there are two manual options to go behind the 2.9L. One is Mazda made, the other Mitsubishi. Apparently the Mitsu is 2" longer, therefore requiring a swap of driveshafts. Logically, I would prefer to have the Mazda one in this case. I've gather that the Mitsu has a drain pan on the bottom, the Mazda doesn't.

In the last few days ive been to 2 junkyards and looked at no less than 100 Rangers of BII's. Today I found 15 or so with a 2.9L and manual transmission. All of them had drain pans.

So I guess there were either very few 2.9L/Mazda 5spds or I just haven't looked hard enough.

The first question then, is all of that information true? Were there really two 5spd options behind the 2.9L? Does the A4LD to Mitsubishi require driveshafts being changed.

Most of the the transmissions I found were from Rangers. What Ranger cab/bed combo match the wheelbase of the BII. Thanks in advance..

 

[exbass94]

Keep in mind that any 4.0 Ranger (regardless of year) with a 5 speed will have the Mazda manual, and that will also bolt up to your 2.9. But 3.0's and 4 cyl's will NOT bolt up.

 

[2manyfords]

Yes 2.9L had Mitsu's and Mazda's behind them. The Mazda is by far the best tranny.
The Mitsu FM146, Mazda M5OD and A4LD are all the same length so there would be no driveshaft issues with you '90 BII.

(Note the older Mitsu FM145 is Two inches shorter and was used until 1988.)

2.9L Mazda trannys are consider rare however I've owned three trucks that had them over the years.

 

[Evan]

You can also look in an early 90s Explorer. Many of those came with the manual Mazda M5OD R1. That will bolt right up to the 2.9L.

 

[Ranger44]

Keep in mind that any 4.0 Ranger (regardless of year) with a 5 speed will have the Mazda manual, and that will also bolt up to your 2.9. But 3.0's and 4 cyl's will NOT bolt up.

+2

 

[lukeburris53]

Hey thanks for all the very helpful replies. What year was the 4.0 introduced? And how can you tell the difference between the FM146 and FM145..just the year? Is it a good idea to stay away from these? Because I think right now I can get a FM146 and all I need to get it going but would it be worth a couple more days of searching to get the Mazda? Thanks again

Another thought: One of the junkyard charges $150 plus the old transmission for a new one. The other junkyard charges $350. Both of those is without all the clutch stuff I'll need. The junkyard with nearly 100 rangers charges more, the one with 10 charges less, convenient huh. I have a feeling that the one good one I know of from the $150 place is the FM145. Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[2manyfords]

I'd stay away from the FM146.

They have a high failure rate and the newest possible one would be 15 years old.

I don't know how to tell the difference between the two FM trannys other than length.

 

[lukeburris53]

The guy thats helping me swap out transmissions acts like it would be better to stay away from one from a 4.0 I guess becuase of potential differences. But am I right if I say that ANY year 4.0L 5 speed 4x4 will fit exactly into my 90 BII? If so..that would be good

 

[MAKG]

The differences are starter and clutch, as well as the bottom two bellhousing bolts. 4.0Ls have cast aluminum oil pans, so you can put an extra two bolts through the bellhousing into that. 2.9Ls have stamped steel oil pans, so you can't (and six bolts is all you have now).

The flywheel and clutch are different from 2.9Ls, but you have to get these to begin with, so you might as well get the 4.0L versions. 4.0L starters are also different.

4.0L M5OD gear ratios are slightly closer than 2.9L ones, but it will work fine nonetheless.

The stick is also different, but obviously you need the one that goes with the transmission anyway.

The only thing that will give you conniptions is if you have a manual shift transfer case. Shift boots that go to M5ODs AND manual 1350/1354s are apparently made of solid gold. Or at least priced that way. And your existing transfer case shift lever won't work. But the electric shift ones are just fine.

 

[lukeburris53]

Thanks for the info MAKG, very helpful. I guess I will keep looking for something. Ideally maybe a little newer 4.0 5spd that was wrecked or something. Whats a decent price for a used one? One place was saying 150 the other 350..?

 

[metalmacguyver]

200 - 250 is an average price for transmissions. someplaces want more, others dont. it varies alot.