Do these tires make my transmission look small?

[85_Ranger4x4]

Not really, the Mazda M5OD is pretty much the cream of the crop for RBV transmissions.

Heck, I am shopping for one out of a F-150 for my 302 Ranger.

 

[gw33gp]

I have been told the Mitsubishi transmission is not as durable as the Mazda but I liked the way the Mitsubishi shifted better than I do the Mazda. I had almost 200K miles on my 89 Ranger when I sold it without having to do any work to the trans. It now has about 280K miles on it and is still running strong without any problems with the trans. I have also heard many bad stories about the Mitsubishi trans. I can tell you one thing, never tow in 5th with the Mitsubishi trans.

 

[SenorNoob]

Why not tow? I've topped a VERY steep hill nearby with a full rick of wood in the bed (about half of which was still green) besides my loaded toolbox, light bar, and bull bar up front. *With a 4.0* and 5th gear on the FM146. It didn't like it but did make the pull.

 

[GetItMuddy]

Im thinking that towing heavy loads multiple times probably puts a lot of stress on these old Mitsumissions (<--See what I did there?) and as such, will wear them out quickly. I don't believe that gw33gp is saying don't EVER pull with it, just don't make it a daily puller....

 

[gw33gp]

I am saying don't tow with it in 5th gear. I towed with my 89 STX all over the country but I did it in 4th gear. I did try towing in 5th gear one time going to Phoenix on I-10 on a flat section across the dessert. It was an easy tow and I drove it for about a half an hour at about 72 mph. I had to pull into rest stop for a bit and found I could not shift gears. I forced it into 1st and pulled on in.
I crawled under the truck and found the transmission was extremely hot. After letting it sit for about 1/2 hour it cooled enough that I tried driving it. It shifted normally again. I think if I had continued on down I-10 without pulling off, I would have destroyed that transmission. I was pulling about 3,500 lbs with about 700 lbs on the bed. I never had a problem running in 4th gear or even in lower gears driving over the Rocky Mountains on I-70.
I was told by someone that the bearings used for 5th gear are not designed for running under higher loads for a long time and will get hot. I continue today by towing in 4th gear with my Mazda transmission even though I am told it should handle it.

 

[SenorNoob]

That seems logical.