Which M5OD? Please Confirm

[bbbc3]

I'm currently searching for an M5OD 4x4 for my single cab 85 2.8 Ranger. As I have been researching I see that the best option is the M5OD that was behind any 2.9 ranger. This is a stronger transmission with lower gears 1st-3rd than a 4.0l M5OD. Also it looks like the 2.9 M5OD paired with a 4.0 flywheel and clutch is the best setup behind my 2.8l. Can anyone give their opinion on this setup?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Youll need to find an 88-92 4wd as 86/87s had Toyo Koygos and mitsubishi trannys.

I believe thats the first ive heard of the 2.9 and 4.0 M5ODs having different gearing, but im not sure either way.

I know a 4.0 flywheel/clutch is an upgrade some guys do to the 2.9, with pretty good results. I dont see why it wouldnt work just as good on a 2.8.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I always thought the 2.3 m5od was the trans with lower 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. 2.9 and 4.0 have the higher. There is a thread on here from several years ago where he swapped gears so he would have lower in his 4.0. He isnt around much and I forget his name. [ purple something ? ]

 

[adsm08]

The 2.3, 2.9, and 3.0 had the lower 1-3 ratios. The 4.0 had the narrow range version.

Now for the rub, you want a 2.9 4x4 M5OD. GFL, in general the 2.9 version of the M5OD was only made in 2wd.

It isn't that hard to turn a 2wd one into a 4x4, or to swap gear sets to get the lower gears in a 4x4 Cologne case, just need some time and tools, and a press.

 

[fastpakr]

You'll be just fine with a 4.0 version. The difference between the two is not that dramatic. I ran a 2.9 transmission behind my 4.0 for quite a while. There was maybe a week where I noticed a difference. After that I never gave it a second thought. Also no strength difference, just gear ratio selection.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^

2.9l Ranger 4x4 never had M5OD-R1, only 2WD

Info here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/ManualTransmission.shtml

But............the Bronco IIs did come with M5OD-R1 1988 -1990, not sure but earlier B2s used a transfer case in 4x4 models and fake transfer case in 2WD models, so transmission was 4x4 model in either one
The fake transfer case was for the weight, because of the roll over issues
But not sure if they did that with the M5OD-R1 in B2s

 

[Snoranger]

+1 ^^^

2.9l Ranger 4x4 never had M5OD-R1, only 2WD

Info here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/ManualTransmission.shtml

But............the Bronco IIs did come with M5OD-R1 1988 -1990, not sure but earlier B2s used a transfer case in 4x4 models and fake transfer case in 2WD models, so transmission was 4x4 model in either one
The fake transfer case was for the weight, because of the roll over issues
But not sure if they did that with the M5OD-R1 in B2s

But they didn't use the dummy t-case in 90 BIIs... at least they didn't in the 2 1990 automatic 2wds I've been under. I owned 1 of them. It had a bolt on output flange and a flanged driveshaft. Maybe that was just the autos.

 

[bbbc3]

I was under the impression that if it did not have the detachable bellhousing it was an M5OD. The “M” in M5OD stands for Mazda. I thought that there were only two styles for transmissions on the 2.9 engine, the FM146 Mitsubishi and the M5OD Mazda.
If this is true then there are many, many Ranger trucks with 4x4 M5OD Mazda transmissions.

 

[RonD]

Its not true

First M5OD-R1 in a 4x4 Ranger was 1990/1 4.0l
2WD version was in 1988 and up 2.9l

While Toyo Kogyo Company was the original name of the now Mazda company, the Toyo Kogyo 4 and 5 speeds are nothing like the M5OD-R1, although both were built at the "mazda" factories
And they were not used in 1989 Rangers in any case, so its very odd they are even listed for 1989

 

[rusty ol ranger]

What the hell got used behind 2.9 4x4s then after 87?

I thought both the mitsu and TK both died that year?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

+1 ^^^

2.9l Ranger 4x4 never had M5OD-R1, only 2WD

Info here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/ManualTransmission.shtml

But............the Bronco IIs did come with M5OD-R1 1988 -1990, not sure but earlier B2s used a transfer case in 4x4 models and fake transfer case in 2WD models, so transmission was 4x4 model in either one
The fake transfer case was for the weight, because of the roll over issues
But not sure if they did that with the M5OD-R1 in B2s

Politely disagree, God. My 1990 was a factory 2.9 4x4 M5OD. Surprise me as well.

 

[Snoranger]

What the hell got used behind 2.9 4x4s then after 87?

I thought both the mitsu and TK both died that year?

My 89 STX had a 2.9L, FM146, and an 8.8 from the factory (even though everything I've ever seen said the 8.8 wasn't available until 90.)

 

[bbbc3]

So how do you know if it is an M5OD? If it has a non-detachable bellhousing then it IS a M5OD correct?

 

[fastpakr]

From memory, the M5OD will have a fixed bellhousing and no removable bottom pan, where the TK and FM series would have both.

 

[bbbc3]

Can someone please confirm this ^^^