First tranny swap

[99RangerKrazy]

Ok guys, I'm finally ditching the A4LD for a manual. I've got a 92 Ranger with the 2.9L, manual t-case. I found a FM-145 manual with transfer case from an 85 Bronco II. Now this has the same bellhousing pattern right? It should bolt right in? I just want to double check before I buy it. I've done some homework on it from the Tech Library and it sounds like it should work.

Thanks everyone

Edit - Does the FM-145 crossmember mount inside the frame? Which would then require a longer rear drive shaft and shorter front?

 

[LittleHorse]

same bellhousing pattern, but the t-cases are probably different. The ranger probably has a BW1354 and the BroncoII will have a BW1350. They will have different outputs for the front driveshaft, so you'll either need to have one made, or swap transmissions and keep the ranger transfer case in the ranger.

how do you like your ninja? I've got a DRZ400 Supermoto, does alright on the road but it's a single cylinder and not very aerodynamic. Sometimes I think about getting something that might be a little more comfortable cruising at 70.

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah I'd just be swapping the tranny. That would bolt right up to the transfer case that is in the Ranger right?


The Ninja is awesome, I love it. Enough to haul me around, I can easily hit 100 and I'm not the slimmest of guys. It's really comfortable too, you can lean if you want, or you can ride it upright. I would like a little more top end..but it's a 250. And you don't really need to go much faster than 100 haha. Cruising at 70 is very comfortable, I do it everyday (when it's riding weather). I definately recommend the Ninja

 

[LittleHorse]

Yeah I'd just be swapping the tranny. That would bolt right up to the transfer case that is in the Ranger right?


The Ninja is awesome, I love it. Enough to haul me around, I can easily hit 100 and I'm not the slimmest of guys. It's really comfortable too, you can lean if you want, or you can ride it upright. I would like a little more top end..but it's a 250. And you don't really need to go much faster than 100 haha. Cruising at 70 is very comfortable, I do it everyday (when it's riding weather). I definately recommend the Ninja

I'm about to finalize a transaction with another board member on a manual 1354 because my electric shift motor went bad and I'd rather not mess with it...in all my research I haven't seen anything that would indicate that the ranger case wouldn't bolt up to the FM transmission.

However, I'm not 100% positive that the transmissions themselves are the same length...maybe it was the TK's but for some reason I was thinking there were some that were longer or shorter and could require custom driveshafts. Hopefully someone will wander in here that knows for sure, or it might be on the manual trans identification page in the TRS tech library.

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah I read in the Tech Library that the FM-145 is different in length than the A4LD..requiring a longer rear driveshaft and shorter front. Now how are the reliability on these trannies? I know the M5OD's are the way to go, but this is the only manual tranny that I have found that is close to my area.

 

[LittleHorse]

Yeah I read in the Tech Library that the FM-145 is different in length than the A4LD..requiring a longer rear driveshaft and shorter front. Now how are the reliability on these trannies? I know the M5OD's are the way to go, but this is the only manual tranny that I have found that is close to my area.

I figure it's got to be better than the autos

Mine has the M5OD, which I've read in a few places is the "upgrade" over the TK or the FM, but I haven't actually ready any specific instances of failure, or anything about where any weak points might be. I wouldn't worry about it too much, a 5 speed is a 5 speed IMO. There's just not that much to 'em, compared to an auto.

Did you come across anything about having to move the transmission crossmember at all?

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah, also in the tech library it says the cross member mounts inside the frame. It also says that there isn't a t-case adapter because it's built into the tranny, which moves the tranny 2.5 inches closer to the motor, requiring a longer rear driveshaft and shorter front.

 

[jpistheman]

did you ever pick up that 5 speed? i know im a bit of a ways away.. but i have a fm trans with 97k on it and a new clutch. it was in my 88 b2 when i rolled it.

 

[AllanD]

Ok guys, I'm finally ditching the A4LD for a manual. I've got a 92 Ranger with the 2.9L, manual t-case. I found a FM-145 manual with transfer case from an 85 Bronco II. Now this has the same bellhousing pattern right? It should bolt right in? I just want to double check before I buy it. I've done some homework on it from the Tech Library and it sounds like it should work.

Thanks everyone

Edit - Does the FM-145 crossmember mount inside the frame? Which would then require a longer rear drive shaft and shorter front?

Do you remember the shootout scene in the Chevy Chase Dan Akroyd Movie
"Spies Like Us" when Chevy Chase catches a grenade and asks "what is this?" and Dan Akroyd shouts back: "You Don't Want it!"

That's how I recommend dealing with an FM145.