Couple clutch/transmission related questions

[speaste]

Hi all,

I have an 84 Ford Ranger 2.8L V6 with a manual transmission. I just got the truck and it's a major project with a bunch of stuff to fix. I have two questions related to this transmission:

1) How can I tell if the transmission is a 5 speed or 4 speed? If it's a 5 speed I can't find 5th with the shifter so it's gone. The shifter knob has been changed out with some aftermarket shifter. On the drivers side visor, there is instructions for shifting a 5 speed not a 4 speed so I started thinking messed up 5 speed but as Allan points out, a used truck with no history could have a different transmission. Is there a model or serial number on the transmission I can read when it's installed? It has the ribbed pan but not sure if this indicates one vs the other.

2) The transmission/clutch is making a noise that sounds almost like a rubbing or low rumbling when the clutch pedal is released...even when transmission is in neutral. When I push the pedal to the floor, noise nearly or completely goes away. Any suggestions as to potential causes? (saving the fact that 5th gear is all over the bottom of the transmission pan if it is a 5 speed

Thanks guys!

 

[MAKG]

There is actually a tag on the driver's side of the transmission near the front. You can try to wipe the dirt off it and read it. With luck, maybe it's still there.

All 1984 manual transmissions are TK's, which means a ribbed bottom pan. TK5s have THREE sections -- main gearbox, 5/R, and extension housing. TK4s only have two of those. TK5s also have two drain plugs and two fill plugs.

The noise that goes away when you hit the clutch is almost certainly the release bearing. One way to test is that transmission noises will usually persist under ALL conditions when the vehicle is moving. That turns most of the parts in the transmission! It turns them all if you hit the clutch and keep it in gear while coasting.

 

[speaste]

afer more digging

I think maybe the previous owner(s) might have pulled the original 5 speed TK transmission and put in a 4 speed. The case has an R4 stamped on the side of it. Is this a sign it's a 4 speed? I do not see two drain plugs either.

I am pretty sure if this is a 4 speed, it got swaped because the sticker on the door has trans code "5".

So, If this is the case, can I just swap back in the 5 speed? Will it just bolt right back up?

 

[speaste]

in addition

If they did put the TK4 in and replace the TK5, from what I am reading out here they would have had to replace the front and rear driveshafts as well? (sounds kinda obvious now that I think about the fact that the 5 is longer).

So if I go get myself the TK5 from a yard or something, I need to get the driveshafts that went with it right? Is there anything else they would have needed to mod to swap a 5 to a 4?