Newbie with 4.0 man trans questions?

[fordnuts65]

Hello TRS Members,

I am swapping my 92 2wd Ranger (stock 2.3 4cyl 5spd) with a 4.0 v-6 out of a 92 2wd Explorer with auto trans. I would like to also swap the auto with a manual trans. it looks like the 2.8 and 2.9 v-6's have the same transmission bolt pattern as the 4.0. It also sounds like the 2.8 and 2.9 manual trans will work with the 4.0 so does this mean I should look for any ranger with a 2.8,2.9 or 4.0 with a manual trans? Will the manual trans flywheels from either 2.8 or 2.9 bolt up to my 4.0?

Any help or insight on this engine and trans swap would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[chrwilkins30]

You should really look for a m5od for the 4.0. Its stronger and can handle the 4.0. The fm146 will work from a 2.9 but might break if you beat on it to much.

 

[fordnuts65]

Thanks for the quick response, if I use the 2.9 manual trans can I use the 2.9 flywheel and starter? I am having a hard time finding which trans. parts I will need to match up to my 4.0 ????

Thank you

 

[chrwilkins30]

It might be possible. but you should just put a 4.o clutch in as well. Just make sure you get a starter for a 4.0 with a manual trans. They are different than the auto trans.

 

[Snoranger]

Thanks for the quick response, if I use the 2.9 manual trans can I use the 2.9 flywheel and starter? I am having a hard time finding which trans. parts I will need to match up to my 4.0 ????

Thank you

Well, the 4.0l clutch swap is popular on the 2.9l. (thats a 4.0l starter, flywheel, clutch, and block plate on the 2.9l.)
-SO-
You should be able to use all those same parts from a 2.9l on a 4.0l.
-BUT-
I wouldnt use the small 2.9l clutch behind the 4.0l.

For that matter, I wouldnt use a 2.9l trans behind a 4.0l. (Unless its a M5OD.)

 

[fordnuts65]

Thanks for everyone's input, I am going to go the route you guys are suggesting with all 4.0 trans. parts. I thought somewhere in the tech files I read something about the differences of the 4.0 motor but now I can't find it.

I thought I read somewhere that depending on the year some 4.0 engines had a clutch bearing in the engine crankshaft and some years did not? Do any of you know what I should look for if I cant find 92 2wd trans and clutch parts?
My 92 2wd Ranger already has clutch pedal and brake pedals, they should work for the 4.0 engine swap right? I found a 92 Explorer 2wd with a manual trans at the salvage yard but the cross member, tans.and clutch pedals had already been removed so the search continues!

 

[Snoranger]

I thought I read somewhere that depending on the year some 4.0 engines had a clutch bearing in the engine crankshaft and some years did not? Do any of you know what I should look for if I cant find 92 2wd trans and clutch parts?
My 92 2wd Ranger already has clutch pedal and brake pedals, they should work for the 4.0 engine swap right? I found a 92 Explorer 2wd with a manual trans at the salvage yard but the cross member, tans.and clutch pedals had already been removed so the search continues!

They all have a pilot bearing.

Any year 4.0l M5OD will work, even a SOHC trans. The flywheel has to come from a pre-98 engine. 98+ has an 8 bolt flywheel, the earlier ones only have 6 bolts.

 

[adsm08]

You cannot use a 2.9 flywheel and clutch on a 4.0. The parts will physically bolt on, but won't actually work right. The 4.0 flywheel is heavier. The lower mass of a 2.9 flywheel will affect your idle quality. Also, the 4.0 can and will toast the smaller clutch without even trying. You will have a smoked clutch in under a year.

Also, using any FM transmission against a 4.0 will kill the trans very quickly. It's because the FM transmissions use weaker bearings that take an awful beating under the torque of the 4.0. A 2.9 M5OD will stand up just fine as it is the same trans with a wider ratio across the first 3 gears. A 4.0 flywheel and clutch system will fit in the 2.9 bell housing though, so there is absolutely no reason to even try using the weaker parts on the beefier engine.

 

[fordnuts65]

Wow thanks again to all of you for your input and great technical knowledge, I really appreciate all of your info and suggestions. I totally agree with your suggestion to use 4.0 parts and I will. I am really glad that I joined TRS, I will make sure to take good detailed pics as I start my engine and manual trans swap. I hope my project will inspire or help others contemplating a project like this.

As per the Clutch/Brake Pedal question can I use the stock clutch and brake pedal that is currently in my 92 Ranger (2.3 4cyl. 5spd trans.) will the stock clutch master cylinder also work or will I need one from a 4.0 manual trans donor?

Thanks again to all and have a great weekend.

 

[4x4junkie]

The stock master cyl & pedal assy should all work fine.