Transmission swap problems

[jimmy k]

hey guys! First time! New to forums in general! So i need some help with my 88 ranger 4x4... The trans crapped out which was a FM146

So I bought a parts truck! The parts truck is a 91 ranger 4x4 with a one piece trans... I got the old one out! But i cant get the new one to bolt up to the back of the block..

Any suggestions????

 

[jimmy k]

it is about a quarter inch from being joined up with the motor but it seems like something is stopping it!!

 

[pcollins]

What engine is in your truck and what engine was in the donor vehicle? If you replaced the clutch did you use the clutch alignment tool while you tightened up the pressure plate? Whatever you do don't force it the rest of the way on with the bolts.

 

[Explorin94]

^^AGREE^^ need to know what motor in the 91. The 88 should be a 2.9 if it is an STX.

 

[jimmy k]

the 91 donor is a 4.0 motor and my 88 is a 2.9 motor... Will that be a problem? I used the clutch and everything from the donor

 

[jimmy k]

Im going to get the clutch alignment tool to re align it and see what happens! Wish me luck!

 

[pcollins]

They should swap. I'd replace at least the slave cylinder while your in there if not everything. Someone else who has done this swap before can probably tell you exactly what has to be interchanged or w/e.

 

[Explorin94]

the 91 donor is a 4.0 motor and my 88 is a 2.9 motor... Will that be a problem? I used the clutch and everything from the donor

You're good. Just making sure that you wasn't swapping a 3.0 or 2.3 M5OD-R1 into it. It should slide together. I just checked too the pilot bearings are the same.

 

[adsm08]

Sometimes the spring on the throwout bearing will hang you up like that. I had to go get extra long bolts and use them to draw the trans in on my S-10 because the spring was too stiff to just push it on.

I do agree with Pcollins, you have to be careful with that and not force it, but it can be done safely. Only do it if you can see the TOB is in contact with the pressure plate and you cannot turn the trans output shaft by hand.

 

[jimmy k]

SUCCESS!!! The silly $3 tool worked! Now i can grow my damn hair back! haha Thanks guys for the help!

 

[jimmy k]

ok... now there is an odd sound coming from the starter... Do you think i need to keep the starter for the 2.9 or should i swap it out with the one from the 4.0??

 

[BrucesBlack]

I Would Swap to the 4.0 Starter , It Might be Newer and have more life in it ? , Worth a Try to bench test them both while your at it ! , Then go from there !.