Manual Trans M50D Installation

[belovedb2]

I am putting a Mazda M50D manual trans from a 98 Exp into my 86 B2. I have not taken out the B2 trans but it seems that the distance from the bell housing to the gear lever is different. On the B2 Mitsubishi trans I measure about 24 inches from the bell housing to the gear shift opening. On the M50D it measures 18 1/2 inches. It doesn't seem like the gear shift is going to be in the same place. Any guidance? Did I get the wrong replacement trans?

 

[Boggin]

members on here told me that the 4.0s bellhousing changed at around 95.. maybe it had something to do with the OBDII i dont know but its not the same as earlier 4.0s where has the bellhousing to fit the 2.9 so you might be out of luck

 

[belovedb2]

Bummer. What exact years of the ranger 4.0L should I be looking for??

 

[Shran]

I think the bellhousing change was something more like removing a couple bolts, or adding a couple bolts, but is otherwise basically the same. The flywheel is different though, somewhere in the mid 90's there was a change from a 6 bolt flywheel to an 8 bolt flywheel.

I think the M5 you have SHOULD work, but you may have to modify the floor to get the shifter through. I had to cut all the way up to the firewall to get my NP435 shifter to clear.

 

[adsm08]

The bell housing changed in 98 when the explorers went to the SOHC. The difference is one extra hole at the 2:00 position. Just don't put a bolt in it.

The shifter is farther forward than the mitsu trans, and the M5 is longer by about 2 inches. You will need to cut a small section out of the plate and find yourself an A4LD drive shaft.

I have an article about this swap in the submission forum, I'll go find it in a bit and post a link for you.


EDIT: Here's the link

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71203&highlight=M5OD

 

[belovedb2]

Thanks for the article. It should be very helpful.