Midwest or Zumbrota

[epoxybreath]

HI Folks,
New member, first time poster, long time lurker. I've gathered and acted on tons of valuable advice from this site.

I have a 2001 4.0 4X4 manual, 175,000 miles that is my work truck and primary transportation.
I started getting bearing noise, in gear, clutch engaged and ignored it for too long.
It culminated with a clicking sound followed by the sound of unhappy metal bits failing ( A Loud Bang. )

In any case I need a new trans. M50D-R1HD ID: 1L54HB (apparently one of 3 variants for the year)

Any thoughts on Zumbrota vs. Midwest?

Zumbrota $1639.00 https://www.zumbrotadrivetrain.com/shop/rmtm5r1f-8te 18 day lead time
Midwest $1281.00 https://shop.midwesttrans.com/item/MTFRD097/M5R1-4X4-4-0L-SOHC-5SPD-01-11/ Waiting to hear back on lead time

Any thoughts on Quality etc, I have read threads as to great customer service from both.

Also What is the difference between the 3 variants?

Thanks for your time.

 

[franklin2]

MT, 4x4, 6-245 (4.0L), ID 1L54-HB
MT, 4x4, 6-245 (4.0L), ID 1L54-MA
MT, 4x4, 6-245 (4.0L), ID F87A-FA

Usually the 3 variants are different gear ratios. Some of these later transmissions do not have gears that can be replaced for the speed sensor or the speedometer.

How about used? One good thing about where you live, the bodies rust out but the drivetrains can still be good. Here are two used ones in Maryland. Apparently these later transmissions will fit your truck.

2008 Transmission Assembly Ford Ranger	MT, 4x4, 6-245 (4.0L),4.0L,MANUAL TRANS,4x4	​	X​	L02819 1047kg	$Call​	Martin's Auto Parts USA-MD(Oakland) Request_Quote 301-334-8340 / 301-359-0477 Request_Insurance_Quote	72​
2003 Transmission Assembly Ford Ranger	XLT,4.0L,5 Sp,4x4,FLR	212,823​	C​	5H0440 1047kg	$550​	A-1 Sales USA-MD(Havre-De Grace) Request_Quote 410-939-3800 / 800-251-3672 Request_Insurance_Quote

 

[gw33gp]

I am pretty sure Zumbrota and Midwest are the same. At least I think Midwest does the work for Zumbrota.

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

@epoxybreath
I'm just a novice around here. A lot of other guys can help you for sure.
So I wish you luck and welcome to
TheRangerStation.

 

[gearfather]

I am pretty sure Zumbrota and Midwest are the same. At least I think Midwest does the work for Zumbrota.

those two are not related at all..

 

[franklin2]

MT, 4x4, 6-245 (4.0L), ID 1L54-HB
MT, 4x4, 6-245 (4.0L), ID 1L54-MA
MT, 4x4, 6-245 (4.0L), ID F87A-FA

Usually the 3 variants are different gear ratios. Some of these later transmissions do not have gears that can be replaced for the speed sensor or the speedometer.

How about used? One good thing about where you live, the bodies rust out but the drivetrains can still be good. Here are two used ones in Maryland. Apparently these later transmissions will fit your truck.

2008 Transmission Assembly Ford Ranger	MT, 4x4, 6-245 (4.0L),4.0L,MANUAL TRANS,4x4	​	X​	L02819 1047kg	$Call​	Martin's Auto Parts USA-MD(Oakland) Request_Quote 301-334-8340 / 301-359-0477 Request_Insurance_Quote	72​
2003 Transmission Assembly Ford Ranger	XLT,4.0L,5 Sp,4x4,FLR	212,823​	C​	5H0440 1047kg	$550​	A-1 Sales USA-MD(Havre-De Grace) Request_Quote 410-939-3800 / 800-251-3672 Request_Insurance_Quote

I should have specified, gear ratio in the rearend is usually the difference in the transmissions.

 

[gw33gp]

those two are not related at all..

You may be right but click on the OP's link for Midwest and click on 'contact'. Scroll down and you will see Zumbrota as a contact.

 

[epoxybreath]

Hi Folks,
Thanks for the replies.
Franklin, I am reticent to buy used unless the mileage is way low, and all of those anywhere around me is high. With shipping etc. the price difference for a hopefully skilled reman unit is worth it to me but I really appreciate the suggestion.
Midwest 1 week turn around.
They tell me that the syncros are getting tough to acquire and they won't know if their 1 remaining core will be usable until they get inside.
Midwest does have a shop in Zumbrota (Place) but it is about 10 miles away from the Zumbrota (company name ) facility.
Anyway, thanks to all who considered my issue

Be Well, Bruce

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

@epoxybreath
Have you looked into having your trans rebuilt?

Maybe that MIGHT be the best route for you to go.
Just a suggestion you know what you would and or wouldn't like to do.

Good luck on what ever it is you choose to do.

 

[gw33gp]

I had my transmission rebuilt at around 250K miles. It was working well but I spend a lot of time in remote wilderness and wanted to have it looked at to make sure it was in good condition. They said the only thing they worn a lot was the 5th gear cluster. I told them to replace the cluster and all the bearings and seal as well as anything that was worn while they had it apart. A year later my transmission problems began. I don't want to rewrite all the details. If you are interested, click on the link to see the details.

I need a M50DR1-HD Transmission expert. | The Ranger Station