engine swap- transmission doesn't have hole for speed sensor

[StrangerRanger256]

I'm deep into a 302 swap into my '94 ranger and have run into a bit of an issue trying to get the speedometer hooked up. The truck uses a cable driven speedometer, but the transmission doesn't have a hole for any speed sensors. It's a M5ODR2 out of a 2wd '96 F150 and only has a plug for the reverse light switch- nothing else.

So, my question is- could I put a new tailshaft housing on that is set up for a speed sensor?

Seems like I just might be screwed until I do the 8.8 swap and use the speed sensor on it and put in an appropriate speedometer... hooray, more money to spend.

 

[willy]

You could try finding a tail shaft with the speed sensor in it but you would also need to change the output shaft in the transmission

 

[RangerSVT]

Yes, you can swap in a 95 or older M5ODR2 tailhousing. Your 94 instrument cluster is cable driven, so using the abs sensor in the rear axle is not an option for you...

SVT

 

[RonD]

This is from another site(F-150) with different information on years and parts needed for mechanical speedometer.

"It's very simple, I did it when I put a '96 tranny in my '87. You need the tailshaft housing from a '88-'91 M5OD transmission, which has a mechanical speedometer. Also the speedo gear and clip from the tailshaft and the small bearing that keeps the gear still on the shaft."

I think 1991-1994 Rangers had the combo Cable/VSS on the trans, VSS was used for PCM and Cruise control, cable was just for speedo/odo, R1 or R2 shouldn't matter, they should use the same unit.
Picture of it here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/speedometer.shtml

 

[StrangerRanger256]

thank y'all much. I'll be headed out to the junkyard tomorrow to see what I can find.