Manual Transmission Compatibility

[Cheburashka]

Hey all,

Drained my transmission and it does not seem like it's in good shape. Looking to swap to another transmission from a junkyard.

Question - are all M5OD transmissions exactly the same on the Rangers? I have a 4.0 1995. Would any other M5OD from any engine configuration fit, or do I need another one from a 4.0? Also, would any year fit?

Thanks

 

[don4331]

Any 4.0 M5ODR-1 from '91 to '11 will bolt up to you engine.*

Those from a 4.0 SoHC ('01-11) will have an extra hole, but you can just ignore it. And 1st isn't quite as deep (3.40 vs 3.72).​

​

* You, of course, want a 2wd transmission if your truck is 4x2, 4wd transmission for a 4x4.

 

[RonD]

Pay attention to from a 4.0l , no other size engine transmission will fit

And 2WD or 4x4 must also match as said

M5OD-R1(M5R1) is a "model" number, like "Ranger" is a Ford "model"

The model Ranger doesn't tell you if its 2WD or 4x4, or regular cab or super cab or what engine it has, its just the "model"

M5R1 is just the model not what it's "options" are

 

[Cheburashka]

Any 4.0 M5ODR-1 from '91 to '11 will bolt up to you engine.*

Those from a 4.0 SoHC ('01-11) will have an extra hole, but you can just ignore it. And 1st isn't quite as deep (3.40 vs 3.72).​

​

* You, of course, want a 2wd transmission if your truck is 4x2, 4wd transmission for a 4x4.

Good to know. Other than the hole, everything else is same? So all I need to check is that it's 2wd 4.0

I'd much rather get a newer transmission .

 

[Cheburashka]

Also, can someone advise what seals I should replace when doing the swap?

Should I get the main seal for the newer or older transmission if I'm putting a newer one in?

 

[RonD]

Only thing you need to look at is the color of the ATF when you drain it to put in new ATF, and then at the 3 rubber plugs on the upper rear of trans, they like to dry out and leak

But front and rear seals were never an issue on the M5R1

The rear main seal on the 4.0l engines, were an issue, so when trans is off it good to pull off flywheel have it surface, and replace engines rear main seal, its a cheap part but hard to get to when it leaks

If you are getting a new clutch then use a self adjusting Pressure plate, will make bleeding and driving much better

 

[Cheburashka]

MANUAL 2WD 4.0L TRANSMISSION FITS 98-04 RANGER | eBay

Reconditioned to factory spec.

www.ebay.com

So this transmission should work. Where exactly is this extra hole?

 

[Cheburashka]

I think I figured it out.

Even though it will bolt up, what will I do about my speedo?

Is there room for a speed sensor on the newer trans?

 

[RonD]

Your current tail shaft housing will look like this: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/qPcAAOSwrMhct7zb/s-l400.jpg

Has the hole for speed sensor with gear

Remove your tail shaft housing and you will see a Drive gear on the output shaft, you should be able to remove that gear and key and move it over to the 1998-2004 M5R1 tail shaft, then put your 1995 housing on it



Very worst case, is that you will need to buy a speed interface unit, like the Dakota Digital SGI-5E
It can be hooked to your rear axle ABS sensor and current VSS wires, then tuned for the 8,000PPM(pulse per mile) signal your speedometer, cruise and computer need

You will still have ABS

 

[Cheburashka]

Thanks so much for the helpful reply. I like the Dakota Digital solution - very elegant.

There is a '99 Ford Explorer transmission at a junkyard near my house.

From my research, the '99 Explorer transmission should also bolt right up. Is that accurate or did the explorers have a different output shaft?

 

[RonD]

It would be surprising to find a Manual Transmission in an Explorer, rare as hens teeth

But yes the 1999 explorer had 3 engine options, the 5.0l V8 which NEVER had Manual, and two 4.0ls, OHV or SOHC, and a manual trans from either 4.0l would work with/in 1995 4.0l Ranger
Just make sure its not 4WD or AWD, then it wouldn't work

 

[Cheburashka]

Thanks for the help!

Ended up finding a 2010 transmission with 76K miles for only $350 and with warranty.

Of course, 4.0 2wd.

 

[Dirtman]

Yay!

 

[RonD]

Good, only other hurdle is the Speed sensor issue

When you get the new/used transmission pull off the tail shaft housing and see if you can use your 1995 tailshaft speedo drive gear on it and of course your 1995 tail shaft housing if so

Worst case is you use an SGI-5E interface using the rear axle's ABS sensor, thats what Ford did in 1998-2000

 

[NakedDucks]

Pay attention to from a 4.0l , no other size engine transmission will fit

And 2WD or 4x4 must also match as said

M5OD-R1(M5R1) is a "model" number, like "Ranger" is a Ford "model"

The model Ranger doesn't tell you if its 2WD or 4x4, or regular cab or super cab or what engine it has, its just the "model"

M5R1 is just the model not what it's "options" are

Not exactly true....

The trans from a 2.9 will fit and bolt up, but the ratios don’t mesh well with the torque range of the 4.0

-The 2.3/2.5/2.9/3.0 trans all have the same ratios. The 4.0 is different.

-The 2.3 and 2.5 have the same bell housing pattern

-The 3.0 is its own animal as far as bell housing pattern

-The 2.8 (never had an M5OD from the factory), 2.9 and 4.0 all have the same bell housing pattern.

So you can swap gears around between the 2.3, 2.5, 2.9, and 3.0. The 4.0 has its own set of gears.

Bearings, bearing retainers, manishaft, tailhousings and bolts can be swapped between any M5OD. The catch here is the 2wd mainshaft/tail housing must go in/on a 2wd trans, and the same for a 4wd.

Top plate (shifter plates to some) are pretty much Interchangable across the trans versions and years. The Aerostar trans has a unique top plate.... and it’s kinda rare.