drnsdad

[drnsdad]

I have a similar question as did binks0678. My question is can a swap out
a FM146 in a 1991 Ranger 4x4 with a 2.9L with a FM145 from an earlier year?

I have found a 1991 Ranger 4x4 Ext cab that I am considering purchasing.
It has the FM146 5 spd but 3 of the 5 gears are not working. Before buying
it I would like to know what my options are and have a replacement ready
to go, so that I dont have to deal with the wife complaining about me
buying a yard ornament. I have looked around and am having problems
locating a replacement FM146. I did find a couple of reportedly good FM145's
with transfer cases, but wasn't sure if I could just swap them out. From
pictures the difference I see is where the shifter mounts. Is there anything
else ? overall lenghth, spline count or shaft size, driveshaft differences ?
Thanks,
Robert

 

[BeaterMan]

a better bet is to swap that fm146 out for a mazda m5od- think thats right. Any manual trans bolted to a 2.8,2.9, or 4.0 will work on your truck, the only issue with swapping is you might have to get the dshafts shortened/lengthened or use different crossmembers. i personally would ditch the mitsubishi trans(fm145 of 146) and use the mazda which is a better, more reliable trans.

 

[drnsdad]

FM145 vs. FM146

Many thanks. I have done some reading on other threads and see references
to the M50D and M5R1. Are they the same transmission ? I also read that
these same transmissions are used in Fords and Mazdas in both 2wd and 4wd.
So that implies that there is a spacer or some form of fake transfer case
housing when on a 2wd. After what I have read, I agree with you that
the Mazda transmission is the way to go...... now just gotta find one.
Thanks.

 

[AllanD]

The proper designation for the Mazda is M5OD-R1

People garble this designation because they are lazy or ignorant.

The Mazda is made in both 2wd and 4x4 versions.

You want the 4x4 version.

while the 2.9 Mazda is somewhat rare, for your application the 4.0 version of the trans will work interchangeably

the 4.0 version of the trans has a slightly taller 1st gear and the jumps
between the gears are smaller, it's a "close ratio" version because the 4.0
isn't as revvy as the 2.9.

Ford only did that silly "dummy transfer case" nonsense on the bronco2

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[drnsdad]

Thanks Allan, one last question. I have read posts that say if I do the
FM146-.M50D swap I will need to replace both front and rear driveshafts and
the floorpan for the shifter and I have read posts that say all I have to
replace is the floorpan for the shifter. Which is it ? Thanks, Robert