FM146 or better?

[BronKitis]

I was traveling down the freeway in my BII and all the sudden 5th gear turned into nuetral. Had nothing but 4th... I have no idea what happened but it wasn't fun! So, my question is what should I do? Should I just slap another 146 in it, go the M5OD route or...? Budget, as always, is tight so modifications to tcase, driveshafts (no too hard) mounts, clutch, etc. may end up being the determining factor... I'm running 32's now, but would like to run 33"s and a 4.0 one day. We'll see... Thanks for the help.

AJ

 

[4x4junkie]

The M5OD is a direct swap for the FM146. I wouldn't hesitate to put a M5OD in it.

 

[adsm08]

Well, it sounds like you lost the counter shaft.

The M5 swap is far from hard if you already have a 146. They are the same length, so the shafts and mounts are the same. T-case needs no mods, and the clutch is determined by the engine, not the trans on these vehicles.


Hope that helps make your decision.

 

[BronKitis]

That's good news to hear! Is the M50D same ratios? Tougher than a 146? Thanks

 

[4x4junkie]

Very similar ratios if you get a 2.9L version.

The 4.0L version (more common) has taller ratios in 1st, 2nd & 3rd.
You can however swap the internals from any other non-4.0L M5OD-R1 into a 4.0L case and have what would be the same thing as a 2.9L M5OD.

 

[adsm08]

I'm running a 4.0 M5 behind my 2.9. The only time I can really tell is in 5th. But my 2.9 is a bit sickly too.