trans swap?

[venom97]

ive got a 91 ext cab 4x4 with the 4.0, auto. and im thinking about buying another ranger with a 2.9, 5 speed, 4x4 for the trans. would this be an easy swap or should i just look for another auto? i can get the truck cheap so money wise id probably be better to buy the other ranger, if its a direct swap. thanks guys.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Keep lookin for another donor vehicle if you want to do the manual swap. The 2.9L 5 speed isn't as strong as the 4.0L's 5 speed. Plus, ford revised the gearing for the 4.0L. The 2.9L has a 3.72:1 first gear where as the 4.0L has a closer gear set with a first of 3.40:1. I'm assuming ford did this because of the extra torque the 4.0L makes and such.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

for most people, the deeper first gear that the 2.9 (and other non-4.0 engines) came with is a plus...as it gives you more torque and a better crawl ratio.

as long as its an M5OD it would be a good swap. if its and FM id steer clear.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Oops, I mislead you. Your donor vehicle is a 2.9L 4x4 which means it has the FM146 I believe. the M50D is found behind 2wd 2.9L's. Wicked is right, it'll make a loud bang and your heart will sink.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

ive heard some of the later year 4x4 2.9 trucks got M5OD's...but they are rare. IF its the rare 2.9 M5OD, id go for it...if not, pass.

 

[venom97]

cool,thanks guys for the replies. better to do this once,for sure!

 

[venom97]

ok,back to this again! what year truck should i be looking for? it has to be 4x4 also to "bolt in"? i want something thats going to hold up,so im supposed to steer clear of the 2.9 trans? i found a 92 2wd for 200 with a 2.9 and a 5 spd. sorry for all the stupid questions. thank for the help.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

certain 88-92 2.9 trucks will have the M5OD. if you can find this transmission, that would be "best" due to its favorable gearing. other than that, any year 4.0 5 speed (they are all M5ODs) will work.

 

[venom97]

certain 88-92 2.9 trucks will have the M5OD. if you can find this transmission, that would be "best" due to its favorable gearing. other than that, any year 4.0 5 speed (they are all M5ODs) will work.

do they have to be 4wd?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the donor has to be the same drive as your truck.