ranger questions

[lew]

Hey guys. I've always had jeeps....I know. I know....but I've come across what I think is a deal on a ranger. I don't know much bout them that's why im turning to u guys.
the truck is a 90 ranger with the 2.9l engine and 5 speed manual trans with bout 90k miles. It has a 6" lift and 33" tires, stock axles. The current owner says that the only issue is that the tranny whines. Is there a common issue that would b causing this 'whine'? Anything specific that I should b looking for when I check it out? What do u guys think its worth?? How strong are the stock axles? Thanks for the help

 

[adsm08]

Well, it might be worth it. If the body is in good shape I might give 900, maybe a grand.

The stock axles ain't Dana 70s or nothing, but the D35 is pretty stout. The 7.5, if it has that one, is OK, but the 8.8 is better.

As for tranny whine, probably bearings. Some fresh fluid might solve it. Then again, it might not.

 

[straycat]

Once a tranny starts a whine it is not always bad. Adjustment, fluid change...but I would just expect to rebuild it and plan for that. Put money aside for the rebuild (or replacement) and drive it until it goes out and just don't worry about it until it goes out.

Good luck, Bro!!

 

[lew]

Thanks for the info guys. What trannys are interchangeable?

 

[4x4junkie]

2.9L and 4.0L V6 trannies will interchange. The Mazda M5OD stickshift is a good solid trans, though the 4.0L version has a somewhat tallish 1st gear.
About the only thing to watch for on a M5OD are 3 little rubber plugs on the rear of the shifter housing that are known to leak after some time. If left unchecked, the fluid leaking out can lead to transmission damage (good possibility what happened if that truck has the M5OD). The other (more common) trans behind a 2.9L is the Mitsubishi FM146, which is not near as robust as the M5OD.

A small number of '90-'92 models came with a 28-spline 8.8" rear axle even with the 2.9L, which is a fine axle for up to 35" tires. As said, the HP D35 front is also good & sturdy with lots of locker & gearing options available (unlike D35s used in the rear of Jeeps, the D35 holds up quite well as a front axle application).
Check that it doesn't have a D28 though (very early '90 models). The D28 barely can stand up to stock tires (ways to ID which axle is which here)

Hope that helps
Welcome aboard!