What works replacing M5OD-R1 from a 2.9 L 2WD?

[Jconn33]

Hello,

New here, but I've read the sticky, bookmarked several links and searched 15 or so pages on the transmissions thread tonight and have learned a lot. Great site,folks. Thank you.

Still, I'm not sure I have all the information I need. I have a 1988 Ranger, 2.9 L, 2WD, MS0D-R1 5-speed manual transmission with 150 K miles on it. It has a 2-bolt starter on the driver's side. I've replaced the clutch 4 years ago, and it needs replacing again, so I know how to do that. But also, the trans has been whining for a while in 1st, 2nd & 3rd gears and OD. In 4th gear, however, there's no whine. Should I get this trans repaired? If not, and I need to replace it, are there M5OD-R1 trans for other engine sizes in which the bell housings match my 2.9 L engine? I've read that the bell housing for a 4.0 L won't match my 2.9 L, but what about a trans from a 2.3 L or 3.0 L, would they fit? I'm having a hard time finding a used perfect match for a M5OD-R1, 2WD and a 2.9 L engine but I've seen some other sizes available. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Joe

 

[AgPete139]

I am wondering if the bell housing from your 2.9L can attach to the -R1HD units. Modifications are needed to adapt the SOHC trans to the OHV 4.0L.

I'm not good with transmissions. Hopefully someone someone else has experience.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I don't believe there is a removable bell on the m5od.

 

[AgPete139]

Yea...you're right. That's a major "no."

I'm looking around and reading up on this, too...

 

[Snoranger]

I am wondering if the bell housing from your 2.9L can attach to the -R1HD units. Modifications are needed to adapt the SOHC trans to the OHV 4.0L.

By "modifications" you mean bolting it right up, correct?
The bolt patterns on the 2.9l and OHV are the same, the SOHC is slightly different. 1 bolt out of 8 is in a different location.

 

[kunar]

yeah, the m5 has an integral bell, so no bell swapping there. a 2.9 and a 4.0 ohv have the same bell housing pattern. ive seen it, ive done it, no issues. 2.3 or 3.0 are both different. and like sno said, a sohc 4.0 is very close. the top right bolt is in a different spot, but the last trans i had out actually had a hole in both locations if i remember right. now, the thing to consider is that other things may have changed over the years. speed sensor is what comes to mind, but i don't have any input as far as that's concerned.

 

[adsm08]

A 2.9 or 4.0 trans will work fine. The 4.0 is geared a little higher, doesn't make much difference on the street, I had a 4.0 trans behind my 2.9 for years, it was fine.

I would stick to something 1994 or older because you have speedo issues starting in 95.

 

[SenorNoob]

I would stick to something 1994 or older because you have speedo issues starting in 95.

Thank God that's not an issue for 4wd. I've never seen a 4.0 5spd earlier than 95.

 

[Bampity]

While we're still on the topic of changing transmissions, is there any difference between the m5od-r1 and the m5od-r2?
Does the R2 bolt up to our transfer cases?

 

[SenorNoob]

The R2 is a full-size transmission. It bolts up to V8s mostly.

 

[baddis]

Thank God that's not an issue for 4wd. I've never seen a 4.0 5spd earlier than 95.

I have one a 93 4.0 5 speed 4x4

 

[Captain Ledd]

95-97 did use an electronic speedometer, BUT, it was still gear driven. The sensor for the speedometer attached to the same spot the cable did and had a regular speedometer gear on the end.

1998 and newer switched to the rear axle tone ring and won't have proper holes on their transmissions.