Quick Question..

[nate12346]

I have to replace my flywheel and might as well replace the clutch. I am planning on doing a 4.0 swap soon which got me to thinking... Should I just get a 5 speed and t-case from a 4.0 and put in just to be that much closer to doing the 4.0 swap? I have no clue If the 2.9 t-case is the same as the 4.0 but yeah... I just dont think it is practical to buy a new flywheel-clutch to have it all be replaced when i do the 4.0

 

[MAKG]

The 2.9L transfer case is the same as the 4.0L transfer case. SOME transmissions (Mazdas) are so similar as to require an expert to distinguish (gear ratios are slightly wider on the 2.9L version). Note that manual transfer case shifters and shift boots go with the transmission, so if you have an FM146, you will have issues there.

I'd say it's up to you about the transmission even if it's an FM146. The extra work to remove a transmission after having already pulled an engine isn't all that much. You can pull it out the engine bay instead of from under the vehicle and skip a WHOLE BUNCH of steps.

 

[nate12346]

Im not worried about the extra work but more along the lines of saving money. If I put a new flywheel and clutch in the stock 2.9 5 speed tranny to have it be replace with a 4.0 5 speed tranny in a few months, Why not just get the whole 4.0 set up and put a new flywheel and clutch in it. Unless those are the same too lol??? Is the flywheel and clutch the same on a 4.0 trans? just with different gear ratios?

 

[alaskan155]

yes, the 4.0 flywheel is heavier though

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/May06/40_clutch_swap.htm

4.0 tranny bolts to 2.9 also, and vise versa

 

[nate12346]

OK So let me get this strait.....The only thing Different from the 4.0 and 2.9 is just the size of the clutch? So my 2.9 trans is just as strong as the 4.0 gear wise?

 

[alaskan155]

should be, your 88 has the mitshibishi i believe(according to link below) and the 4.0 got the mazda tranny, not sure on strength difference though, if it where me doing the a 4.0 swap i would upgrade to the 4.0 clutch and run the current tranny so you dont have to change drivelines(assuming the mazda is a different length)
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/ManualTransmission.html
here is another good link,

 

[nate12346]

Sweet! Thanks! It looks like it has a higher gear ratio than the exploder too which means a better crawl ratio! (I think lol)

 

[MAKG]

GUYS!

Be careful.

The flywheel is NOT the same dimensions as a 2.9L flywheel. In particular, a larger diameter flywheel is going to move the starter drivegear, which means a starter appropriate to the (new) application.

And if you're going to read the tech library, at least read it correctly. A 1988 2.9L could have an FM146 OR a Mazda M5OD. If you can tell which over the network with no photos, you should consider a career picking stocks....

The "block plate" is also different.

 

[alaskan155]

according to the Tech


the 1988 model the 2wd 2.9 got the Mazda M50D-R1 .he has a 4wd thus the 1988 model got the Mitsubishi FM146 or FM145(87-88 changeover year)

that is what i depicted from the tech section atleast

the clutch swap section talks about the FM/TL manual , so i assume there using a mazda clutch on the FM/TK, so according to that he is good there

as long as he follows direction i believe there should be no problems, New 4.0 clutch= 4.0 manual starter, 2.9 clutch = 2.9 starter.

this all applies As long as he isnt trying to swap a 4.0 SOHC from 1997+

 

[MAKG]

Well, that's wrong.

4WD 2.9L M5ODs existed in 1988, though every one I've seen has been in a Bronco II. FM146s were more common.

 

[CJREX]

Keep in mind, the FM146 is NOT as strong as the M5OD and will likely die behind a 4.0.

If he has the M5OD transmission, he can just install the 4.0 clutch, flywheel, engine tin, and starter onto his current 2.9 and then he'll be ready for the 4.0 engine when that time comes.

As far as your current transmission, there are several ways to determine what it is.

If it is the original trans, you can just look at the TRANS code on the driver door label. If the code is M, you have the M5OD (Good to Go ). If it is anything else, you need to change the transmission.

You can also tell by looking at the relationship between the transfer case and transmission shift levers. If the levers are nearly side-by-side, you have the FM146. If the Tcase lever is about 5-6 inches rearward of the transmission lever, you have the M5OD.

and you can just look underneath, If the transmission has a removeable pan similar to an automatic, it is the FM146. The M5OD is all one piece.

Hope this helps.

P.S. The 4.0 clutch set is a VAST improvement over the 2.9 clutch. Even if you don't swap engines, get the 4.0 clutch set for your 2.9. You'll be glad you did.

HERE is the TRS Magazine write-up on the clutch swap.

 

[nate12346]

ok well I have the FM146. SO.... I need to get an M5OD. Would i have to cut a new hole for the t-case shift lever?

 

[CJREX]

Yep.

Actually it's the transmission shifter that's in a different spot.

Either get a correct floor plate (kinda rare) or get a blank floor plate from an auto and cut it where you need it (junkyards are full of 'em).

If you find a correct M5OD/manual Tcase plate, GRAB THE SHIFT BOOT!!

It's almost like gold!