Rattling Noise/ Tranny Rebuild

[RangerEric]

I have a 92 Ford Ranger with a FM146 Tranny. I am hearing this rattling noise when hit the gas. I barely hear it in 1st and 2nd gear. I hear it a little more in 3rd and then the noise gets louder and worse in 4th and 5th gear. It sounds like a rattling/ bearing not properly lubed right or broken. I have done a transmission flush and replaced the throw out bearing. Now I'm thinking to drop my tranny and rebuild it.

Any thoughts, or advice I will be glad to read it.

Are there any special tools required?
where can I find a manual to repair or rebuild for a Fm146 tranny?
I would also like to replace my auto locking hubs to manual, if anyone knows a website I can buy them off of?

 

[Explorin94]

You definately do not have a FM146 in that truck....unless it was swapped in by another. The factory transmission for that truck is the M5OD-R1. If it is the FM146 save your money and swap the M5OD back into it.

 

[RangerEric]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/ManualTransmission.html

I went off of this link here to find out what transmission I have in my 1992 Ford Ranger 2.9 V6 4X4.
shouldn't I put a 4X4 tranny or would the M50D-R1 work better?

 

[Explorin94]

I did a little more digging and you are right it may be the FM146 Transmission. My personal opinion of the 146 is that it would be a really good boat anchor. The M5OD-R1 is a better transmission, I think and you may be better to find a good used one or one that has been rebuilt.

 

[4x4junkie]

I would agree the M5OD is a better unit...

However since you say your noise is present in 4th gear, I'd be skeptical of an internal problem on your FM146 (power is coupled directly through the trans in 4th gear, is not applied to any of the gears themselves).

Have you ruled out the problem being in the rear axle maybe?
Also, if it's a metallic noise it could be something as simple as a rattling heat shield on the exhaust.

Some things to check anyway.

 

[RangerEric]

Well I have double checked my heat shields. I will check my rear axel today. Thanks man

 

[Kowboy]

I'm wondering if this is a rattling shifter. Does it quiet down when holding onto the shift knob?

 

[RangerEric]

No it doesn't