M50D-R1 swap

[silkysix]

I know you guys must be tired of seeing this question but after searching the forum and tech libraries I haven't found the answer. So here's the problem: I have an 88 2WD Ranger extended cab with 2.9 engine and 5 speed Mazda M50D-R1 transmission. I need either a whole different transmission to swap in or a donor transmission to take parts from. Do M50D-R1 transmissions from a 2.3 L ranger bolt right up to my 2.9? If not, can I take the primary shaft from the 2.3 transmission and put it into my 2.9 transmission?

 

[Original_Ranger84]

No and no... Your ranger most likely has the mitsubishi FM145/146 vs. the mazda transmission so the part woudn't transfer over. And the bell housings are different, If the transmission came from a 4.0L or a 2.8L then it would work just fine. the 2.8L, 2.9L and 4.0L are all in the same engine family so many bolt on parts can go on all of them.

 

[silkysix]

The transmission is out of the truck, disassembled on my workbench, and matches TRS photos of the Mazda unit. What you are saying makes perfect sense: bolt patterns on a straight four cylinder could easily be different than a v6. What confuses me is the tech library page that lists the M50D-R1 as the transmission for the 2.3. What is the same about the 4 cylinder version and the 6 cylinder version? If nothing, then why do they have the same model numbers?

 

[HareRazor]

If you do have the m5odr1 in your truck, all the internals from the 4cylinder transmission will slide into the 6 cylinder case. I have 2.3 internals in my 3.0 case, and I have put 3.0 internals in a 2.9 case, it just depends on what was cheaply available and close at the time.

 

[90B24wd]

No and no... Your ranger most likely has the mitsubishi FM145/146 vs. the mazda transmission so the part woudn't transfer over. And the bell housings are different, If the transmission came from a 4.0L or a 2.8L then it would work just fine. the 2.8L, 2.9L and 4.0L are all in the same engine family so many bolt on parts can go on all of them.

Mazda M50D trans on 2.9's first came out in 88. I got one from a 2wd.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Ohhh... I see, I thought the 2.9L pretty much had one manual tranny, not so knowledged with the 88 - 97 years.