Should I buy?

[jamleafer]

I'm looking at buying an '87 ranger ext cab with the A4LD and a 2.9. The tranny doesn't work which isn't surprising. Now, I can get my hands on a '94 B4000 parts truck for 300 bucks with the M5OD and I can get the ranger for 1000 or less (canadian dollars), its in mint condition, 140,000 kms. Is it possible to swap in the M5OD without too much trouble? Appreciate any feedback.

 

[jamleafer]

sorry, both are 4x4

 

[baddis]

it is a fairly simple swap if the donor is a 4.0

 

[pcollins]

it is. the 4000 in B4000 stands for the 4.0

 

[Nhaz]

I would just take the entire drive train and put it in the 87. forget just the tranny.

 

[pcollins]

i'm assuming the 4.0 in the mazda is blown tho?

 

[trail B2]

I just put the whole thing in motor and trans. If that 4.0 runs good put them both in there it makes a great running little truck.To put the tranny in is pretty doable.

 

[jamleafer]

the 4.0 in the mazda runs, but not fantastically. as for just swapping the whole drive train in, it might not be an option because there is something wrong with the transfer case in the mazda. the guy didnt know what was wrong and couldnt give me any information to lead me to an idea of what could be wrong. so i have some thinking to do now, its tempting. Thanks a lot for the input guys

 

[pcollins]

what do you mean by not fantastically? if your budget isn't too small a top end rebuild won't hurt...

 

[Nhaz]

You have a 4x4. use your transfer case if his is bad.