M5OD - 2wd and 4wd housings interchangeable?

[ElleShooTiger]

I'm planning to swap a M5OD into our 98 Ranger 4.0L 4X4, I found a parts Explorer with all the parts but its a 2wd. I found a 4wd extension housing on ebay.

Is the output shaft the same on 2wd and 4wd transmissions? Can I just replace the extension housing? Or does it require a different output shaft (which would lead to tearing the trans open)?

 

[baddis]

the main shafts are different

 

[ElleShooTiger]

Thanks, I've been researching it the last few days, and finally found it on like page 9 of the search results here, lmao

BTW is M5OD and M5R1 referring to the same trans?

The trans on the explorer has 145k but at the u-pull-it its about $150, extension is about $90 on ebay and I can probably find a used main shaft at the junkyard too. Replace the synchros and bearings and it should be good to go for a long time. Cheapest local transmission is about $600 with 74k miles.

 

[baddis]

where are you located?

 

[ElleShooTiger]

The truck is in Houston, TX. But it's my brother's and he lives in Gulfport, MS.

If he doesnt want to learn to drive a manual, I might make it mine