swapping 4-speed manual for a 5-speed manual

[KimoFouts]

I have a 1983 Ranger with a 4 speed manual. It's great but has has a hard time on the freeways and I'd to find a way to get the RPMs down. Is it possible to simply swap a 4-speed with a 5-speed? Is a better solution lowering the final drive?

Thanks,
Kimo

 

[MAKG]

A 2.8L should have no trouble at highway speed in 4th. You have a problem that needs fixing, not a new transmission.

Heck, my 250 I-6 (stupid big carbueted hunk of cast iron with a lean burn carburetor and 1 5/16" single barrel carb) can very easily do 80 MPH with no OD and 3.73 gears.

And why is this in the 3.0L section? There is no such thing as a 1983 3.0L or a 1993 4speed manual.

 

[fixizin]

You probably just need better SOUNDPROOFING... I know I do when I try to keep my 3.0L in the purported "sweet zone" above 3,000 RPM all around town, lol...