Manual Transmissions that bolt up to a 1999+ 5.0 EFI Explorer.

[koda6966]

Hey all. I'm doing some info on 5.0 swaps for 1998+ Rangers, and so far I've decided that the best engine to use would be from a 1999+ Explorer. However, the tech article doesn't mention anything about a manual transmission swap. Just some things about how to add on the Explorer's stock Automatic transmission. Does anyone know what transmissions will be a direct bolt up swap for the 1999+ Explorer 5.0 EFI Engine? (GT-40 or GTP)

 

[Gotta_gofast]

It doesn't matter what cylinder heads you have on your 302. It doesn't really even matter what the 302 came out of. Just make sure the crank has a provision for the pilot bearing and you can bolt any sbf based manual transmission. Its very popular to use a T-5 from a mustang but the shifter sits very far back in the truck.

 

[mjonesjr]

Use a M50D-R2 from a F-150.

 

[koda6966]

Mjones, those were in the early 90's trucks right? If so, that should definitely work with the 5.0 since those trucks came with them stock. Any idea how the shifter would sit in the cab? I think some newer ones had them too, but I have no clue what engines those trucks came with.

I would probably have an easier time finding one of those, than a T5. The T5's all get snatched up around here.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

I had a '92 F150 with a 300 I6 in which I threw in a mild 351 for mudding. That truck had the Mazda M5OD-R2... and I blew it. lol. Don't let it scare you though, I was pushin a lot more torque than the explorer engine and I wasn't, ahem, nice to it.

 

[88mudder]

ZF 5 speed

 

[Gotta_gofast]

ZF 5 speed

How big is the ZF? I dont think I'ver personally seen one. I would take measurements because it was under a full size truck. You might have to persuade(sp) the transmission hump a little. lol

 

[v-8power]

Also if you get GT40P engine that the spark plug angle makes it hard to find headers.

 

[koda6966]

Really? I didn't know that about the GT40P engines. The write up on the site here doesn't say much as to the differences. I'll have to look some more into that.

 

[mjonesjr]

I believe the M50D-R2 shifter would sit a little farther back than a M50D-R1, but not too far back. It would put it about where it should be.

 

[Mac]

2wd or 4x4? The ZF is a huge trans with something like a 5:1 first gear, needs usually at least a 3" lift.
Dave

 

[koda6966]

I think I'll avoid the ZF then.

I'm looking for something that would work well with a lowered 2wd truck.

 

[Mac]

I also should have asked what power level you are looking at. I went with the Tremec mid-shift, avoiding a used transmission and the problems I usually end up with.
Dave

 

[Nipplechops]

I believe the M50D-R2 shifter would sit a little farther back than a M50D-R1, but not too far back. It would put it about where it should be.

Other way around. The R2 (pre-1997) shifter comes up under the dash in a Ranger, quite a bit further forward than a stock R1.

If you do some parts swapping between the 1997 and up R2 and the 1988-1996 R2 you can get the shifter to come up in the stock location of the R1.

Toyo Kogyo's and Shitsubishi's on the other hand have the shifters located farther back than the M5ODR1's. Some hackage will need to take place in that case.

 

[pud]

screw it, I say get a c4 with a reverse pattern and a full manual valve body. Add a ratchet shifter and you can bang through gears faster than in a manual. The manual valve body with reverse pattern will make the gears go PRN123 and will lock the tranny in whatever gear you put it in and wont shift till you make it shift. The ratchet shifter wont let you shift into N-R-P while in forward gears.

Just an outside the box suggestion.