Im new to the idea of the 5.0 swap into my 84 Ranger. I need help bellhousing help

[MadMax_636]

The M5OD(-R1) uses an integrated bellhousing, so each M5OD is made to fit a specific engine bolt pattern

2.8l, 2.9l and 4.0l engines used the same bolt pattern
So an M5OD from a 4.0l would fit on a 2.8l or 2.9l
An M5OD from a 2.9l would fit on a 2.8l or 4.0l

An M5OD from a 2.3l would fit on another 2.3l(1983-1997) but not a 2.8l, 2.9l or 4.0l

An M5OD from a 3.0l would only fit on another 3.0l, nothing else

So M5OD is engine specific, not year specific

Same for the M5OD-R2's for V8s and later model V6s, they are engine specific as well, not year, the later model 4.2l V6 just used the same bolt pattern as the earlier 302(5.0l) engines so M5OD-R2 can be used for either

So your saying that the M5OD name was used on a wide range of transmission (Im assuming it means 5 speed with over drive)?

So when buying said trans I have to get it with the 302 v8 bolt pattern and the rest is plug and play with the tranny mounts on my truck? Thats mainly what Im confused by is the fitment of my trans mounts on my truck since they said 88 - 89. Nothing older.

 

[Curious Hound]

So your saying that the M5OD name was used on a wide range of motors? So when buying said trans I have to get it with the 302 v8 bolt pattern and the rest is plug and play with the tranny mounts on my truck? Thats mainly what Im confused by is the fitment of my trans mounts on my truck since they said 88 - 89. Nothing older.

You almost have it.
The m5OD r1 was used in Rangers. It won't be listed for earlier vehicles because of the bellhousing bolt patterns. They used different transmissions with the earlier engines. For a 302ci V8, you need an M5OD r2 which has the small block ford bellhousing bolt pattern. Your transmission-frame mount may need to be moved or modified slightly to be in the right location depending on exactly where you mount the engine.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

So your saying that the M5OD name was used on a wide range of transmission (Im assuming it means 5 speed with over drive)?

So when buying said trans I have to get it with the 302 v8 bolt pattern and the rest is plug and play with the tranny mounts on my truck? Thats mainly what Im confused by is the fitment of my trans mounts on my truck since they said 88 - 89. Nothing older.

4.2 V6, 300I6, 5.0 V8 and 5.8 V8 (F-150) should all have the M5ODR2 with the right bellhousing pattern. Only the 4.2 variant has the ideal shifter location but some have made the earlier version work. Probably the best in your case with the VSS situation. Tranny length is similar to an R1 or A4LD (and I think at least another one of the "other" manuals) so the trans mount might fall in the correct place. Mine is sitting on a factory mount on a factory crossmember bolted to the frame in factory holes. It is a "your results may vary thing" very dependant on how you place the engine on the frame and exactly how your body is sitting on the frame. With engine swaps nothing is ever cut and dry where what guy does is in exactly the same place as it is for the next guy. I did swap in a later crossmember to adjust driveline angle.

The R2 is basically a scaled up R1. All the parts are similar just bigger.

 

[RonD]

Yes, M5OD is a model number, like Ranger is a Ford Model, Ranger doesn't means is 2WD or 4x4, or 4cyl or V6, its just a MODEL number

R1 and R2 are sub-Models of the M5OD, like Ranger 2WD or Ranger 4WD

As far as the rear transmission mount goes I haven't done that swap so can't say, but I think it would depend on previous/original transmission rear mount location


Loads of V8 swap into here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index-conversions.shtml

And this one specifically for your 1984: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/V8Conversions.shtml

 

[MadMax_636]

Yes, M5OD is a model number, like Ranger is a Ford Model, Ranger doesn't means is 2WD or 4x4, or 4cyl or V6, its just a MODEL number

R1 and R2 are sub-Models of the M5OD, like Ranger 2WD or Ranger 4WD

As far as the rear transmission mount goes I haven't done that swap so can't say, but I think it would depend on previous/original transmission rear mount location


Loads of V8 swap into here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index-conversions.shtml

And this one specifically for your 1984: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/V8Conversions.shtml

Thanks for the info! On the v8 swap page it doesnt talk about the M5OD R2 it does talk about the T5 trans. I wanna say you or someone else on this forum said using the M5OD R2 because the shifter would work/fit better in the original 5 speed hole.

I found this one on eBay (Not sure how common/often they pop up on here https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-F150-M5R2-5-Speed-Transmission-DYNO-TESTED/254705789628. I do understand I need to get one with a 4.2l v6 or a 302ci v8 boltholes. Im just trying to jot down my options for transmissions since Id rather buy a rebuilt one since finding a T5 or similar tranny at a junkyard is becoming harder.

I also found a bunch of separator plates. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=302+ford+engine+manual+seperator+plate&_sacat=0
I just dont know which is which. Since Im sure there are differences between auto and manual.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you get a reman see if they can reman you one with the VSS port so you have a way to run your speedometer. And you will still need the correct block plate as well.

 

[MadMax_636]

If you get a reman see if they can reman you one with the VSS port so you have a way to run your speedometer. And you will still need the correct block plate as well.

Im sorry, What is a the VSS port? I know you've mentioned it before but ive never heard of it. I edited my last post/reply by adding links to separator plates. Im assuming thats you what mean when you say block plates.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Im sorry, What is a the VSS port? I know you've mentioned it before but ive never heard of it. I edited my last post/reply by adding links to separator plates. Im assuming thats you what mean when you say block plates.

Vehicle Speed Sensor.

I guess technically that is only if you have cruise but there is a gear that goes into the transmission that runs the speedometer.

If you go look under your truck you will see something that either looks like:

This if it has Cruise Control with the speedometer cable and two wires from the connector, there will be one of several plastic gears that goes on the blue end inside the transmission. They are color coded by tooth count for different axle gearing and tire size:

Or similar to this without cruise, same with the plastic gear deal:

97-98 M5ODR2 would use something like this for the VSS, it runs on a tone ring inside using magnetic magic:

And then in '99 it went to the rear axle so there is no hole for anything in the transmission case.

 

[MadMax_636]

Vehicle Speed Sensor.

I guess technically that is only if you have cruise but there is a gear that goes into the transmission that runs the speedometer.

If you go look under your truck you will see something that either looks like:

This if it has Cruise Control with the speedometer cable and two wires from the connector, there will be one of several plastic gears that goes on the blue end inside the transmission. They are color coded by tooth count for different axle gearing and tire size:

Or similar to this without cruise, same with the plastic gear deal:

97-98 M5ODR2 would use something like this for the VSS, it runs on a tone ring inside using magnetic magic:

And then in '99 it went to the rear axle so there is no hole for anything in the transmission case.

I wanna say Ive seen something like that under my truck. Never knew until this thread was made my speedo ran off of the tranny and not the wheels. My truck doesn't have cruse control. No power steering or AC.