which m50d?

[spdcrazy]

hey i need to replace my toyo tranny in my b2 2.9l with a m50d.. and i found two locally...

95 Ford M50D 4cyl 5 spd 4x4 - 350
*98 Ford M50D V8 4x4 5spd - 350

i assume the one i want is the 4cyl one. but should i get the transfercase too? or can i use mine? i believe the swap is just the tranny, therefore allowing me to use my driveshafts and transfer right?

also what is the easiest way to tell the difference in the m50d R1. and the r1hd. or whatever it is... which is more desirable and why?

anything i should look into on it before i buy it as well?

 

[AllanD]

Actually you can't use either one.

the 4cyl one can be "converted" so you can use it if you find someone with a loose
2.9 or 4.0 main case.

the bellhousing is non removable on the M5OD-R1
and the 4cyl engine has a different bellhousing bolt pattern
(the starter is also on the opposite side of the engine.)

AD

 

[spdcrazy]

ahhh damn... gotta find one out of the 6cyl. then huh... ok i'll keep looking

 

[metalmacguyver]

Yes. But one from a 3.0 will not work.

 

[4x4junkie]

2.9 or 4.0L M5OD.

I'd try to find the (less common) 2.9L version if you can, the gear ratios are a bit better for that engine.

 

[spdcrazy]

2.9 or 4.0L M5OD.

I'd try to find the (less common) 2.9L version if you can, the gear ratios are a bit better for that engine.

ya that would be ideal. but so far the ONLY one i have found is in NC... and i'm in AZ. so i need to do more research i guess.


thanks for all the help guys.. and if you happen to come across one that might do what i need please let me know it would get my truck running again and i'd be one happy kid..

 

[metalmacguyver]

www.car-part.com

 

[MAKG]

4.0L M5ODs are entirely serviceable for 2.9Ls. Just rev the 2.9L high. That's what they like.

 

[spdcrazy]

wow.. i knew they wouldn't be cheap. but damn... ohh well if thats what its gonna take

 

[mjonesjr]

4.0L M5ODs are entirely serviceable for 2.9Ls. Just rev the 2.9L high. That's what they like.

True. 1st gear is a little bit too steep for the 2.9 to take off in 4 High, but if you rev the engine up a bit it is fine. In my '86 BII with the M50D from a 4.0 and 31's, cruising at 55-60 mpg the rpm's is about 2,000-2,100.

 

[spdcrazy]

i got 33's. and i would like to be able to keep up with traffic at least... but my gears are gonna be a little weak untill the money comes in for my 4.56's.. right now i'm 3.73.....

the m50d with the 2.9 came outta the rangers right?

 

[spdcrazy]

guess the better question is how to distinguish the 2.9 m50d from a 4.0 m50d... other than what engine it might be bolted to of course.

 

[MAKG]

Keep up with traffic?

Downshift.

There are no laws that you must be in 5th on the highway.

The ONLY reason to F with the gears is to improve first gear performance.

Your drivetrain doesn't care whether gearing lives in the rear end or transmission (or transfer case). Except that the transmission presumably wears better in 4th than 5th.

With those tires, you could probably drive down the highway in 2nd.

 

[spdcrazy]

usually i was in third or fourth doing round 60-65... but any kind of hill would hit me hard and id have to shift to third everytime...

 

[MAKG]

So what?

Use the gear that works best. Downshifting is entirely equivalent to a gear change, except in 1st gear.