Need advice on 5.0 swap

[The BEATTIE]

Hi guys, Im thinking of dropping an Expo 5.0 into my 95 B4000 (4.0 Ranger for those that don't know). My truck is a 4x4 5spd and I really want it to stay that way. I have heard mention of a T5 trans mated to a bw 1356 tc would work along with a few other combos that I can't remember off the top of my head. I want this to be as bolt in as possible as I'll be doing the swap in my auto class at school. also a rough idea of the cost to said swap would be much appreciatedThanks in advanced

 

[adsm08]

The preferred transmission is the M5OD from the 97-ish 4.2L V6.

Cost will depend greatly on what and where you can source parts from and how much those cost you.

Wiring should be fairly plug-and-play.

 

[RangerSVT]

Read my SVT build thread, first post. You will have a good understanding of whats needed, and the T5 will need some work to it. The m5 is a better choice, like adsm said...

SVT

 

[The BEATTIE]

Ok so I'm looking at an Explorer 5.0 paired to a m5od-r2(?) out of a 97-? f-150(?) paired to what tc...? Or would I use the tc that was already paired to the trans? Will I need to alter my driveshaft lengths? Thanks for the info guys keep it coming

 

[RangerSVT]

There's a few different tcases you can use, depending on your wallet and find. The np208 is said to be a good fit, the np205 will fit but its heavy and almost bulletproof but has the worst low range gear selection, 1345/1356 are great cases to use, but are wide and frame notching may be required. Dana 20 is the smallest but you will need an adapter to run. Atlas will require no mods to fit, but is pricey. If your into trail riding/rockcrawling/offroading, then you can build or buy a doubler and use just about any case you want, including the ranger case. Driveshaft length will most likely need to be modified, but it depends on engine placement, trans selection and case selection...

SVT

 

[The BEATTIE]

Hmmm I remember reading about taking the shift motor out of the ranger case and putting it in a bw 1356 I think it was, that way you just plug the wiring in and go, but I'm not 100% sure. I do spend alot of time off paved roads and I plan to turn this truck into a prerunner type truck sometime in the future.

 

[RangerSVT]

That was my sport Trac build thread you read that on. I did that to retain the stock appearance/useage of my dash mounted 4x4 switch...

SVT

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

The BW4406 case works great in my Ranger. I have a 5.0L setup with an M5R2 and BW4406 electric shift. Had to have all the auto trans codes deleted from the computer for it to run correctly though.

 

[RangerSVT]

Yep, forgot about the newer cases, the 4406 & 4407 will also bolt up. The 4406 is slightly narrower than the 1356, but longer and has a slip yoke rear output...

SVT

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

The 4406 is particularly convenient to use since a lot of the '97 - '03 f150's with the m5r2 trannies have them. You can just grab both at the same time like I did....

Though unfortunately in my case I got a tranny with a bad intermediate drive gear so it makes a ticking sound in every gear except 4th when I decelerate...

One of the reasons why it's out of commission right now...

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

Also, just make sure the m5r2 comes from a truck with the 4.2L V6 and not the 4.6L V8. The bell housing bolt pattern is different. The one from the 4.2 matches the pattern for the 5.0L engine but the holes have to be drilled out a single size larger. No big deal.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Twister tried a 4406 in his BII and it interfered with the frame pretty bad. It could be engine placement but be forewarned they are not a dainty t-case. He ended up with a NP-205. I have a Bronco (fixed output front and rear) 208 to hang on a yet unfound M5OD for my truck.

You can bolt just about whatever fullsize t-case you want on the back of the M5OD, the trick is what fits between the rails and how bad you want said t-case in your truck.

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

The 4406 is quite large and does come very close to the frame. But I did not make any mods. I'd say it sits about 3/4 of an inch away from the frame and the drive shaft is about a 1/2 inch from the gas tank skid plate. A tight fit but I've never had any rubbing issues whatsoever. But yes it most certainly can be influenced by engine placement as well as if you use a custom crossmember or not.

 

[The BEATTIE]

Thanks for the great info guys I won't be doing the swap until my 4.0 packs it in, but its almost hit 300k kms so it cant be to far off. As of right now I'm thinking Expo 5.0, m5od-r2, and either a 1356 or a 4406