No idea where to start... need help soon please

[hassdaboss]

I have done a lot of work with my 1990 2.9L XLT ford ranger with 234000 miles on it. It is also a two wheel drive manual transmission. I just got done replacing the differential oil in the rear and I thought it was necessary to look at the transmission oil. when doing so I noticed that the transmission looks like it's not stock, either the Mitsubishi or Mazda . I usually consult this website and the Hanes manual for any work I do on my pickup. My vehicle says it has a Mitsubishi transmission but the picture in my book which nothing like my actual transmission in my opinion. I also noticed that my transmission is leaking slowly.

If anyone could offer my assistance on this topic it would be greatly appreciated I'm going to post pictures below of my transmission to hopefully get it identified. This is a great community and I hope that it can help me one more time.

 

[RonD]

Up at the top of each page the the TRS banner, just below it are links to other pages.
Home | Ford Ranger Forum | Tech Articles | Other Articles .............

Tech Articles is one you should look at and Bookmark, loads of info there on anything Ranger or Bronco II

Here is a page from that data base: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/ManualTransmission.shtml

This will help you ID your manual transmission

Yes, your 1990 should have M5OD-R1 trans, 1988-1992 2.9L 2WD Rangers

 

[hassdaboss]

The only thing I know for a fact is that it has the D transmission code meaning that it either has or had the Mitsubishi fm132 tyranny but that rubber gasket on the transmission in the third picture says otherwise

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Please make the pics smaller.

 

[adsm08]

That is a Mitsubishi trans. I can't see the pictures well, they are much too large, so I am assuming you mean the rubber inspection plug when you talk about the "rubber gasket". That was present on either the Mitsu or Mazda transmissions after 88.

The fins on the bell, the visible seam between the bell and the trans body, and the flat-bottomed, square pan all tell me 100% that this is a Mitsubishi trans, as those are the hallmark identifying features of the FM series transmissions.

 

[adsm08]

Yes, your 1990 should have M5OD-R1 trans, 1988-1992 2.9L 2WD Rangers

Ron, read that chart carefully. 88-92 4-bangers all had M5OD. 88-92 2.9s could also have the FM132.

 

[hassdaboss]

Sorry I didn't jack it up and that's what I know my vehicle says is originally on there is the fm132. It has a removable oil pan that is not on the Mazda. The only thing is that there are parts that don't look like the Mitsubishi transmission. I can take a better picture once back at my house. If it is the Mitsubishi fm132 are there common places it leaks? Also from what I read it uses sae 80w 90 oil for the transmission but I see there is a lot of debate on preferences. This vehicle has been neglected for 6 years by my dad and I have had control of this car for about 2 years now. What should I do to this transmission to make it run longer? I have nobody to ask at the town I live in because nobody knows much about trannys. Thank all you guys for your time

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I can't see the pictures well, they are much too large,

A work-around is to hit the control button and while that is depressed hit the - key however many times you need to. Hit the control/+ key the same amount of times to return to full size.

 

[hassdaboss]

Is that picture any better for you guys

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Nope. You need to specify the pixel count. I usually use 800x600, takes up approximately 1/2 page. I think you could go 1600x1200 without problems.

 

[hassdaboss]

This is as big as my phone gets

if this doesn't work than I give up

 

[4x4junkie]

That is definitely a Mitsubishi trans. It does take gear oil (not ATF like the M5OD uses)

The Mitsu transmissions use ball bearings at both the input and output shafts, which have been known to have issues. Overfilling the trans by about half-quart seems to help them live a little bit longer, as those bearings can get a bit starved of oil under a sustained load (driving both driverside tires up onto a set of oil-changing ramps will allow you to get a bit of extra fluid in it).

 

[hassdaboss]

If I ended up taking off the oil pan could I clean out the transmission with brake cleaner and flush it with gear oil would that help? And if so would rtv be a good sealant? I already flushed it and the gears are alot smoother it just is difficult to pinpoint the leak. And I also had a lot of fluid in the foam right above the shifter if that means anything