M5OD-R1HD upgrade questions

[joenorthcarolina]

I've seen a couple threads where people have upgraded pre-1995 RBVs with newer M5OD-R1HD trannys. I like the idea of the lower 1st & 2nd gear, but even after a few hours of reading, I'm sort of confused. I've yet to find out how these guys are making their speedometers work. From what I've read, 95+ began changes to the speedometer from mechanical to electronic, so how is this issue resolved ?
Next topic is the bell housing bolt pattern. I've seen some guys mention a extra bolt hole on the OHV engine that needs to be tapped while another write up seems to say its a direct swap to a 94 4.0 OHV.
If some one can clear up the confusion that would be awesome. My goal is to build up my parts pile as I find a deal here and there, so I need your help.
Also, I assume this swap would go exactly the same with the 2.9L. If there are any objections, speak up.
Thanks guys

 

[SenorNoob]

From what I've seen I'm still not convinced that the "HD" isn't an internet myth..

Regardless. It's fairly likely that the people using them in older trucks are all 4x4. That way the speed sensor/cable is in the transfer case or new enough to have the speed sensor in the rear axle.

The bolt hole thing is apparently a difference between the SOHC and OHV and should only mean you have an extra hole in the transmission bell housing if using it on an older engine.

I wish you luck. And please post clear pictures if you actually find one of these.

 

[Edgefevah]

I own a 1993 Ford ranger regular cab long bed 4x4 4.0L OHV and my HD transmission bolted right up to my engine and transfer case. speedo works too.

I have no idea where you read about threading a hole for the transmission to work but that is completely false.

 

[gw33gp]

If you want to use all the bell housing mounting holes in the HD housing, you would need to drill and tap a threaded hole. This is totally unnecessary though as all the holes used in the OHV engine are in the HD bell housing. The OHV and SOHC engines have one bolt that is located different. The HD bell housing has all the holes needed to accommodate either.

 

[joenorthcarolina]

Thanks for the replies everyone !
Just a few more questions before I go.
I'm thinking the M5OD-R1HD will not bolt up to a 3.0L, but since I'm not 100% sure I thought I would go ahead and ask. So, will it ?
Also, I'm wanting to use a '90-'91 4.0L / 10.5" clutch with my 2.9L. I seen the later models have a slightly smaller clutch, will this be a problem ?
Thanks again for your help.

 

[adsm08]

The 4.0 is the only engine I know of to get the HD trans, and no, that version will not bolt up to a 3.0, different pattern.

Yes, you can use the larger flywheel and clutch on the 2.9, but the block plate that locates the starter must be matched to the flywheel, as must the starter.

 

[joenorthcarolina]

Yes, you can use the larger flywheel and clutch on the 2.9, but the block plate that locates the starter must be matched to the flywheel, as must the starter.

I was more concerned about the larger 10.5" clutch fitting inside the bell housing & input shaft of the HD.

 

[SenorNoob]

Think about it a second.

You'd be putting a 4.0 flywheel and clutch on your 2.9 and using a 4.0 transmission.

 

[joenorthcarolina]

Think about it a second.

You'd be putting a 4.0 flywheel and clutch on your 2.9 and using a 4.0 transmission.

I knew some one would question my wisdom. Let me explain.
If you'll notice how several 4.0 owners have had difficulty with starter/flywheel engagement even after replacing said components, then you recognize what I'm talking about. My theory is that with the changes made from year to year with the clutch department that people are mis-matching these parts. The last time I looked, '90-'91 clutches are 10.5" and the following years they get smaller. I was thinking that maybe some one would shed some light on the subject. I seen that the OHV and SOHC were both in production from 98-01 so I guess thats where the mix up is.