Transmission Choice for V8 Swap: T5 or M5ODR2 out of '97 F-150

[shr3dd3r 09]

I have a 2000 Ranger 4X4 with the 3.0L. I am going to swap in a v8 from a 2000 explorer sometime very soon. I would like to keep my truck as a manual and 4X4, so I am trying to decide what transmission/transfer case combo to go with. I have heard the T5 from a mustang is the easiest way to go, but Advance Adapters no longer sells the kit to adapt it to my current transfer case (Borg Warner 1354). I have heard that the 5 speed manual out of a '97 F-150 4X4 will bolt directly onto the 302, and since the transfer case comes out of the same truck it will work as well. I guess I'd just have to worry about drive shaft modifications.

So....I need some advice. Which way would be better/cost effective/lead to better fuel efficiency/more power? I assume keeping it as a 5 speed with optional 4X4 would be more fuel efficient than going with the explorer's AWD (which is a 4-speed, right?) transmission and T-case, even thought that would be the easiest option. Let me know what you guys think.

Also, I have heard of people having trouble with using the Explorer's ECU when keeping the truck as a 5-speed, since the explorers are AWD. Would it be best for me to use a mustang or F-150 computer instead, or stick with the Explorer's? Again, which would be cost effective and efficient? I'd appreciate the help.

 

[copracr]

If it were me I'd definetly go with the truck 5 speed. The T-5 isnt made to handle that much torque in a heavy truck. THats a lot of strain on the trans. Also like you said, you can mount a transfer case to the f150 trans. If you could get a manual transfer case (or make one out of the ESOF model) then the PCM wouldnt know the difference or care if you where in 4wd or 2wd if you used a 2wd PCM. Upgrade to locking hubs and you have a man's 4x4 ;-)

The only downfall I can see is the difference is gearing between the two transmissions and and the T-5 you could really hammer through the gears with a good shifter.

 

[Mac]

The F-150 is the usual option used. The "Z" spec T-5 can take a lot of abuse but like you said, AA no longer makes the adapter and just don't show anywhere.. Not sure of which years but one of the F-150 trans puts the shifter more of in the stock location than the others.
Dave

 

[Snoranger]

Not sure of which years but one of the F-150 trans puts the shifter more of in the stock location than the others.
Dave

Its the 97-03 4.2l trans that puts the shifter in the closest to stock location and bolts up to the 302/351w bolt pattern.

 

[freckles]

The only reason I can think of that a T-5 would even come up, is if the truck is mainly (98+%) street driven. Otherwise, the M5od2r is easiest and cheapest, and requires no adapter. Don't make this harder than it needs to be, Bud!

Freckles

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Its the 97-03 4.2l trans that puts the shifter in the closest to stock location and bolts up to the 302/351w bolt pattern.

The holes do need opened up to directly bolt on.

If you can't find a 4wd one you can put the 97-03 top cover on an older 300/302/351W M5OD too.

They are not very common, but I haven't heard of they changed anything on the 04-08 M5OD's as far as fitment. They may be another option for an RBV swap.

As far as ecomomy... the Explorer only has four speeds but it still has overdrive. The M5OD has another one to make up for the lack of a torque converter. AWD would suck a lot of power though.

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

Thanks for the advice. Looks like the F150 trans and manual transfer case is the way to go. However, my truck is a regular cab. Is it even possible for me to fit the larger F150 trans and transfer case under my truck? I am not sure how big they are in comparison to what I have now, or if the transfer case will line up with the front diff. Has a similar conversion been done with a single cab ranger?

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

Actually scratch that. Advance Adapters carries an adapter that I can use to bolt the m5od-r2 to my BW1354. That should simplify things.

 

[Snoranger]

I wouldnt waste the money on an AA adapter. Just put a 4406 manual T-case from a newer f-150 in there. It will fit between the frame rails.

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

I'm not so much worried about whether or not it will fit between the frame rails as I am about whether or not it will clear the gas tank. Both the 4406 and the f150 manual trans are larger than my current setup, and my BW1354 is already relatively close to the gas tank as it is since my truck is a regular cab. And my transfer case is electronic, so having the adapter would allow me to not have to mess too much with the wiring. In the end I can either buy the adapter for around $400.00 or the 4406 transfer case for about the same. Which would be simpler?

 

[Fant]

Which adapter did u buy from advance adapter to put 1350 bw t/c on ur r2 tranny???im running reg cab ranger as well

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

Which adapter did u buy from advance adapter to put 1350 bw t/c on ur r2 tranny???im running reg cab ranger as well

I actually ended up mounting a BW4406 directly to the m5r2 instead of retaining my original BW1354. It clears the gas tank by a few inches, but the rear drive shaft is within about a 1/2 inch of one of the mounting brackets on the gas tank.

This does require you to have a shortened rear drive shaft, and the 4406 requires a slip yoke. I just had a drive shaft made from scratch instead of cutting one down to fit.

I have had no problems with this setup, and the 4406 is heavier duty and better able to withstand the power of the 5.0. The wiring for the electric shift is identical if you swap the plugs on the shift motor, so it works with my dash switch.

I would go that route if I were you since it does fit. I got my 4406 for $150.00 and it had about 105,000 miles. Pretty good deal. Check the junk yards and online.

Good luck.