Is a manual worth it...

[Denisefwd93]

Transmissions automatic and manual are both the same length, are you 4wd?

 

[Dirtman]

2 wheel, my driveshaft has a slipyoke at the trans, ididnt look to see if the manual is the same setup.

 

[Denisefwd93]

I was going to (with help) change over my 93 4WD over to manual I had everything I needed, then decided to sell the truck and just find one with manual in it! Now in retrospect seeing amount of rust on the frame of this kind of makes me wish I had done the project on the 93 that was nearly rust free!

 

[Snoranger]

The truck in the yard is complete (for now) it was in an accident, not a rust bucket like we typically get in the u pull yards. I think im gonna go over and start pulling. If I change my mind im confident I can just resell the parts and recoup my money. Trans is only 125 bucks with my member discount, all the other stuff will probably total out to about 200.

Is there anything im forgetting? Trans, flywheel, master cylinder, linkage, ecu, harnesses, gauge cluster, column cover, pats module, and keys if i can find them (longshot but would make life easier)

Are the driveshaft and crossmember different? (both trucks are same wheelbase)

Flywheel bolts are different lengths, starter, block plate, I'd get the whole column, shifter boot and bezel, floor plate (so you can just unbolt yours and bolt in the new one, instead of having to cut the hole.) , clutch switch.

IIRC, your not too far from me. If you need a hand, let me know. I converted my Explorer Limited to an M5OD. I can also borrow one of the IDSs from work and program PATS keys.

 

[cbxer55]

Bwahah. The drink and smoke quote. Funny. I'm the same, cigars and scotch. I'm 58 and healthy as one can be. Just checked my blood pressure, 110 over 57. But I work out every day. SO I may outlive them gym socks. LOL!!

My 98 Ranger with the 3.0 V-6 and auto, has almost 163,000 miles and the trans seems fine to me. I've had the truck 19 years and done two fluid and filter swaps. Last one was January 2017. Fluid is still bright red. And yeah, keeping this truck til it goes tango uniform. It's my beater so my Lightning can stay in the garage under cover. If the weather is bad, I drive the Ranger. Raining, hail, snow, sleet, freezing rain, twisters? Drive it hard, put it away wet. ;-)

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Might price a new flywheel vs the yard price, they are not that expensive new.

When you pull it, try to reassemble everything back into as few parts as you can, they don’t generally break down assemblies as much as individual parts when they ring you up (in my experience)

 

[RonD]

2005 Ranger computers do not have PATS.............so a good year to use

But................2004 and up Rangers did get the HEC Instrument Cluster which uses a built in microprocessor so it has a unique ID which is programmed into the computer, and visa versa, at the factory
This prevents swapping clusters to lower odometer miles
You will get a No Start if you swap Cluster or computer in a 2004 and up Ranger, not related to PATS

But if you get a 2005 computer and its instrument cluster then no PATS to deal with

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Microsquirt and a manual trans. No factory bullsh*t to deal with.

 

[Dirtman]

I got everything but the transmission itself. Took me and my buddy about 4 hours to rip all that crap out . Ecu, cluster, wiring, column, master, shifter, boot bezel, cup holder, starter, pedal assembly, and other nonsense came out to $285. The best part.... I FOUND 2 KEYS!!!

The transmission would have been 125 but I dont feel like spending another day taking it out so I paid the yard to do it for 200 total. Ill have it monday.

This is a way bigger project than I thought Cost wise I still think I made out great and if and when I give up on this plan I can still toss all this junk on ebay and get my money back... I still figure I have another 300-400 bucks in new parts I'll need like a clutch kit, flywheel, fresh seals etc. The truck had 112k so Im not sure its worth really tearing the transmission itself apart for a full rebuild. Ill take a look when I get it.

 

[G8orFord]

To partially quote @adsm08

F**k a

manual. Unless it's a sports car or a hay hauler, why would you want one over todays automatics? I'm about to rebuild my 5r55e due to a failed 2nd gear (?) band. Gonna cost me $350 in parts plus my time. Could go a bit higher if there's any major hard parts to replace. I don't figure that too bad for 258k and having set up for the last 3 years before I bought it.

That said, this is not my first AT rebuild, but it is my first 5r55e. So I could be in for more than I bargained for.

It's all up to you, if you want a stick, go for it, but to me it's a lot of work for little gain. Especially on a DD in stop and go traffic.

 

[Dirtman]

Todays automatics? The 5r44e is a 40+ year old design. Ford just slapped solenoids and an overdrive on an old c3 pinto transmission. It's not even really a 5 speed...

 

[G8orFord]

Yeah, it's a C3, you're better off with a stick. Enjoy your shifts.

BTW, why did you start this thread? Was it for opinions or confirmation?

 

[Dirtman]

BTW, why did you start this thread?

To annoy you apparently.

 

[G8orFord]

Then you failed miserably.

 

[Ramcharger90]

Manual transmission is the way to go. Dont be lazy it's only 1 extra pedal. Plus you are in the minority if you can drive one proficiently. I don't remember what year you have. But if you plan on running that thing forever put what you like in. Dont be a punk ask bit learn too shift turkey.