Tranny replacement

[morepowertoo]

I have a 1990 Ranger w/2.3L & M5OD-R1. I fragged the od/rev syncros. I picked up a 1989 M5OD-R1 from a 2.9L, pretty inexpensively. I didn't pay attention to the fact that the starter motor is on the driver's side vs. passenger side on my truck. Stupid me. Is it possible to use a starter from a 2.9L with the 2.3L? Or will I need to swap out the guts?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[exbass94]

You can't use that 2.9 trans. It has a different bolt pattern and won't even bolt up to the 4 cyl. You need to either swap out the guts, or find a trans from another 4 cyl.

 

[morepowertoo]

Thanks for the speedy reply. I figured that would be the story. Just my own stupid luck...

 

[Taragon]

Actully, your still in luck. You can replace the reverse and OD syncros without removing the trans.

Wanna know how?

 

[morepowertoo]

Do tell, Taragon. Since my truck is just a parts-chaser and beater I don't care if I have to cut-out part of the floor to do fix it in-vehicle. What's the process?

Thanks - Don

 

[MAKG]

Yes, you can disassemble the rear of the transmission with it installed. You remove the transfer case and it's all right there.

It is, however, a MASSIVE PITA. It's a contortion. It's not just a matter of punching holes in the floor; you have to get the locknuts off and several pins punched out. You need access, including leverage.

And you really will do a much better job if you pull the transmission. You're most of the way there anyway.

 

[Taragon]

Almost close MAKG, but your wrong.

IF you have a 4wd, yes, remove the t-case.

-Either way, remove the rear tail, housing of the trans.
-Shift the trans inot any of the 1st 4 gears (I prefer 4th if using the 'in truck' methd)
-Now, remove the big lock nut, and then the small one.
-The 17mm bolt on the rt side of the trans, and the reverse chunk comes out.
-Remove the bolt that holds the rear syncro hub shaft....
-And then the bolt the holds the syncro finger.
-Spin the small snap ring to where you can get it, and remove it.
-Now, wiggle the finger out
-Now SLOWLY slide the hub and everything out. (CAUTION... THERE IS A DOT ON THE SYNCRO HUB. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE IT UPON REASSEMBLY!!!)

Im sure there are a few small odds and ends you'll have to remove I havent covered, but I am sure you can figure it out as you go.

Just TAKE YOUR TIME, and do it in a very controlled and deliberate matter!!!

If you need to use parts from the 2.9 trans, it all works the same way, except you'll need to remove the top cover, and shift BOTH og the syncro hubs either forward or backward

 

[Taragon]

This may help show you want parts to remove!

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13262

YOu will only need to go to about step #12

 

[morepowertoo]

2.9L vs. 2.3L trannys

Thanks for the link to the photos. Yesterday, I started tearing down the 2.9L tranny I bought while leaving it in the bed of my truck. Got to the point of removing the lock nuts. Damn, they're tough. I'll just gut the 2.9L trans, pull the 2.3L trans and swap the guts. Wish me luck.

 

[Taragon]

Good luck.

Id be interested in getting a few of the parts you dont use from the 2.9 trans.

Let me know when you are done building it!