FM146 trans transfer case work with M5OD-R1HD trans

[Aidan_1988_xlt]

So I’m swapping my manual fm146 trans on my 88 xlt to a manual m5od-r1hd from an 09, and I’m wondering if the manual transfer case that’s currently on the 146 will just bolt right up the the m5od-r1hd I plan to put in. Did they change over the years or will it work no problem? Also I plan to leave the current clutch and flywheel in for now until I upgrade to the 10” set up as the clutch in there is new. I know I’ll have to fabricate a bracket for the shifter linkage but want to know if the transfer case will work. Thanks

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yes, and no.

The 88 manual t-case that would have been stock would be the BW1350m

Rangers only had the BW1350 or BW1354 throughout production. Both fit all Ranger 4x4 transmissions.

So it will physically bolt up just fine. The problem comes in with the shifter. The boss on the M5OD may not be drilled/tapped for the shifter, I’ve heard that’s a thing with the later transmissions. Even if it’s drilled/tapped, the M5OD uses its on specific t-case shifter lever, the FM146 one won’t work right to my understanding.

 

[SenorNoob]

The FM146/1350 lever worked fine on my M5OD with the 1350. I had to mod it for the 1354.

 

[Shran]

I think you should be fine with the t-case shifter you have too as long as you have a threaded boss on the trans or can drill & tap one. There are certain combinations that get weird - the arm on a 1350 t-case that was born behind a M5OD is like a one or two year only part (88, maybe 89) and some of the early shifters won't work on a M5OD (IIRC from a few months ago, there is a little bump on the trans that the shifter won't clear, that part is angled on a 1354 shifter...)