How do I ID the 5speed Trans in our6 88 4x4?

[BillRod]

Hi

We have an 88 Ranger 4x4 Extended cab with a 5speed stick.
It sounds a little whiney at times.
I wanted to change the fluid but the 88 uses either a mazda or mitsubishi.
One uses mercon and one uses regular gear oil but I'm not sure how to tell them apart.

I looked under the truck but I do not see any tags attached to the tranny.

Thanks in advance for any help on this.
Bill

 

[dangerranger88]

I believe its the Mitsubishi.
I just checked another thread and a guy has an '88 4x4 w/ a 2.9L and the trans is a Mitsubishi FM146 5-speed.

 

[locovaca]

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

 

[fastpakr]

Quick and easy way to tell:
If it's anything but a 2.9, it's a Mazda.

2.9:
If it has a removable bottom cover and removable bellhousing, it's a Mitsubishi FM146. If it's all one cast case, it's a Mazda.

 

[BillRod]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies.
I guess I should have added that it is the 2.9 engine.

The tranny does have the flat steel pan on the bottom of it, with the I guess it is drain plug in the middle. So that would make it the Mitsubishi.

I want to change out the fluid because it sort of reminds me of my old 65 chevy pickup with the 3 speed and whines some when accelerating.

Thanks again for the help.
Bill