FM145 about to crap out... what to swap?

[Bullitt427]

I picked up an 87 4X4 with the 2.9. The trans is noisy in 1-3 and slightly noisy in 5th so I know it doesn't have too long to live.

Also 94,000 miles on it.

I hear about the M5OD swap, but what about the transfer case? Driveshafts are ok, lengthwise?

Do I need to swap out pilot bearings, throwout etc as well for 4.0 pieces?

Thanks, as a longtime Dentside guy (73-79 fullsize trucks) it's a whole new experience in the Ranger world for me.

Josh

 

[strvger]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/InterchangingTansmissions.html

the tech library is a great place to start. the link above goes right to the tranny swap page. there are additional pages for the tc, shafts, etc. good luck and have fun with your project.

oh, and Welcome to TRS !!!!

.

 

[Bullitt427]

So I gather my 1350 TC will bolt right up to the M5OD?

The Tech Library doesn't explain that.

Josh

 

[strvger]

yes, it certainly should. the only thing you may need to do is match up/swap the correct flange vs. slip yoke set up on the output shaft. that's discussed in the transfer case id page:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TransferCases.html
if you search the threads in this forum, you'll find lots of info from people who have done it many times before.

 

[Surrey]

the FM145 is about 2" shorter than the 146 and M50d, so your drive shafts will have to lengthened/shortened accordingly... Otherwise, the tech library has all the info you could need for this swap pretty much.

 

[2813josh]

Trying to figure this same thing out..my FM145 just bit the dust. Also wondering if there are any advantages to the BW1354 over the BW1350 since it looks like the drive shaft has to be replaced either way.. Sorry for the thread jack I've been searching and trying to figure out what I should do.. So I need 4wd trans,clutch kit, flywheel,starter & I should be good?

 

[Bullitt427]

Trying to figure this same thing out..my FM145 just bit the dust. Also wondering if there are any advantages to the BW1354 over the BW1350 since it looks like the drive shaft has to be replaced either way.. Sorry for the thread jack I've been searching and trying to figure out what I should do.. So I need 4wd trans,clutch kit, flywheel,starter & I should be good?

From what I am seeing since the M5OD is about 2" longer that makes the transfer case linkage 2" further away from the TC lever.

Plus the orientation of the lever on the 1350 is "outboard" and the 1354 in "inboard" if that makes sense.

I snagged a 1354 tTC linkage set-up and was just planning on using that to use with the 1350. Just takes adding a bend in the linkage arm to match the lever. No biggie.

Parts Needed:
M5OD
Engine Plate
Starter
Flywheel
Clutch kit
Clutch line
Clutch Slave

Parts Needed Swapped or modified:
Front driveshaft needs to be longer (I grabbed an Explorer unit or see below)

Rear Driveshaft needs to be shorter (easiest is to grab an automatic equipped truck's rear driveshaft) I was hoping to use an Explorer unit, but it was too short.

Transfer case Dilemna:

Use 1350 and modify linkage to fit.
Use 1354 and and have to swap the driveshaft flange to match.

Then there is the floor boot etc. No biggie in my mind.

In my opinion, it seems everyone is making this a way harder install that it really is. And FYI, the tech section doesn't explain a whole lot. What would help the most is a Driveshaft Length Chart in the Tech Section.

Josh

 

[2813josh]

Ok, that helps alot. I think I got it...definitely worth the effort to upgrade. Thanks Bullitt..now to go parts hunting