M5OD-R1HD replacing M5OD-R1 2wd w/ speedometer cable

[MaxM]

I can't find any definitive info online about tail shaft swapping. I have a 91 2wd m5od-r1 that's going out and I am trying to decide if I should tackle rebuilding it or swapping to an m5od-r1hd from a newer ranger. From what I have found online it will bolt up to the 4.0ohv with no issues, but my cause for concern is that on the 91 2wd's, the speedometer cable comes out of the tail housing. I know on the newer rangers with the m5od-r1hd's they didn't use cables so I don't know if they can be adapted or pieced together to make one that works. Could someone point me in the right direction or give some insight into my situation. Thanks!

 

[RonD]

No, I think you will need to stick with 1990-1997 M5R1 2WD because they will have the speedo drive gear on the tailshaft
1998-2000 may have it and you would need to swap tailshaft housings

2001 M5R1-HD changed to an OSS(output shaft speed) sensor, so not sure it can be retro fitted with drive gear on tailshaft

 

[360alaska]

Hey everyone (@RonD), I just wanted to share my experience. I recently installed an '08 M5OD-R1HD into my 1997 Ranger, and I can confirm that it's possible to replace the tone wheel with a speedometer gear. I swapped both the gear and the tailshaft, which is secured by a C-clip. One additional challenge to note is that you'll need to drill out one of the dowel pins since the newer transmission has it positioned on the transmission side.

You'll still need a shifter from a new ranger:

How to replace a M5OD-R1 with a M5OD-R1HD

www.therangerstation.com

Another thing worth mentioning is that the gears on the R1HD appear to be hardened steel, as indicated by their characteristic discoloration. See pictures: