tranny swap for a 87 auto to stick

[19cobia]

i have been in the tech library checking it out now i have one question. i will be going out to get the parts this weekend witch tranny would be the best swap and most bolt and go the 1988-92 fm-146 or the 1985-87 fm-145 thank you for any help you have

 

[adsm08]

Of the two you listed the 88-92 FM146 would be the most bolt-in.

A better trans, that you didn't list, is the M5OD, which would be comparable to the 146 for bolt-in-ness, but is stronger.

 

[19cobia]

with the m50d would there be anything to watch out for like drive shafts or anything also this is for my 87b2 think for your help now to the tech pages to learn something

 

[adsm08]

If you have the auto already the drive shaft lengths should not be an issue. It's easier if you can get one with a t-case (assuming manual 4x4) since the shifters aren't exactly the same, but it's really not bad.

Here is my write up for when I did it to my 87 Ranger:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71203

I went from the FM145 which is a bit shorter, but the M5 and the A4LD are the same length. Worst part of the whole thing was finding a manual trans/manual t-case boot set.

I think the whole thing took me 3 or 4 days, but that was over Thanks giving, so I lost a day to food, I didn't have my usual assistant, so I spent a lot more time giving instructions than I would have otherwise. I bet that if I'd had these instructions before hand I could have been done in 2 days.