M5OD swap in place of FM-146

[Fairlaniac]

I've been reading and searching posts all night. Still cannot find straight answers. I'm sure they are there, just can't find them.

I have a '91 4x4 2.9 w/FM-146.

Is there a M5OD with the same bellhousing to block pattern as the FM-146 to fit a 2.9?

If so, what else needs modified? Shifters, driveshafts, etc...?

I have a bearing toasted FM-146 and need to pick up something to replace it. It sounds like Russian Roulette if I try to buy a used FM-146.

Thanks,

 

[kunar]

there were some 2.9 4x4 trucks that used the m50d but they are kinda hard to find. there were also 4.0 4x4 trucks that used the m50d, much easier to find. the gearing is slightly different, but the bell housing and everything else matches. your tcase will bolt up, trans is the same length so your driveshafts work perfect. i used a trans from a 93 mazda navajo (explorer) with my 2.9 before i swapped in my 4.0

 

[Fairlaniac]

M5od

So there is a M5OD from a 4.0 that will bolt right up between my existing 2.9 and transfer case? What years would that be and which models of vehicle?

Thanks,

 

[fastpakr]

Any 4.0 4wd 5 speed should work just fine, from '90 to the end of the production run (both Rangers and Explorers). Even an M5OD-R1HD would be okay (one bolt hole discrepancy, but not a showstopper).

 

[Fairlaniac]

Anything else?

Do I need a block plate? Is the same starter used and in the sane location from 2.9 to 4.0? I think I read the hole in the floor for shifter is in a different location, do they have removable floor plates in the Rangers?

Thanks,

 

[Explorin94]

Lets make it simple like the other 2 said. IT WILL WORK. The 2.9 and the 4.0 share the same transmisiion bell housing bolt pattern. Therefore you don't need any other type of adapter like a block plate. IT WILL WORK!!!!!!!

 

[Fairlaniac]

Thanks to all!

 

[kunar]

if you keep the 2.9 clutch, you dont really need to mess with anything else. if i were you though, i would put in a 4.0 clutch while the trans is out. youll need a flywheel, the clutch kit and a starter. should be info in the tech library. not sure if the block plate is different or not but i would grab the one from your donor just to be safe

 

[2813josh]

Sorry for the thread jack,but I've been searching for similiar inf for a while and have found nothing.
I swapped in an M5OD from an Explorer into my BW1350-equipped BII. I've been searching,but still haven't found a shifter that will work for my t-case..
Anyone help me out with is? Is there a stock shifter setup out there that will work or do I have to figure out how to build my own? Maybe I'm missing something. This swap seems fairly common,anyone else run into this?