2.9 Transmission options

[Nez'sRanger]

I've been pondering future mods for my 2.9, which is currently paired with a FM146. I know the M5OD is better, but are there other manual transmissions out there that will bolt on to a 2.9?
I know, I'm probably dreaming, and the 2.9 probably wouldn't have enough torque for it anyway, but how 'bout a 6-speed?

 

[Shran]

Yep... FM-145, the TK series from the early trucks, A4LD and C5 automatic. There was an adapter made to run a GM 700R4 behind a 4.0 which has the same bellhousing so in theory it should work behind a 2.9 too. There was a guy on here building adapters to put the old Ford 4 speeds behind V6's as well so the T18, T19 and NP435 could all be used, as could the ZF 5 speed or M5R2.

I'm not aware of any 6 speeds that have been used before. Best bet for that would be a custom adapter to run a ZF-6 from a gasser super duty truck but those are HUGE. Even the 5 speed ZF is big. Your best bet is the M5OD - it's the most common, most documented, easiest swap to do with off the shelf parts and they're easy to find.

 

[RonD]

2005 - 2010 Mustangs used the 4.0l SOHC which has the same bolt pattern as 2.9l, and came with the tremec T5, maybe someone has swapped to tremec T56 or newer Magnum 6-speed

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Get an adaptor and run a BW T18 4 speed.

 

[RonD]

Get an adaptor and run a BW T18 4 speed.

Yes, who needs overdrive, and every one can use a granny gear, heck you won't need low range at all

 

[Nez'sRanger]

Get an adaptor and run a BW T18 4 speed.

If it was a farm truck, I totally would!! Right now I'm looking for freeway milage. On these crazy CA freeways, you can't go under 70 without causing an accident! (Slight exaggeration). Well, if I can get my truck going that fast, and it's usually down-hill, my engine is screaming like a banshee around 3500-4000. It would be nice to be able to click it into double OD, and get the tach down a little.

 

[RonD]

FM146 has OD gear at .81

You can plug in your numbers here: https://www.crawlpedia.com/rpm_gear_calculator.htm

Even with 4.10 axle ratio and 27" tires in OD at 70MPH engine should be at 2,900
With 29" tires 2,700
If you have 3.73 ratio then 2,650 at 70MPH

 

[Nez'sRanger]

Interesting. My speedometer or tach must be off. It literally reads 3500 at 75. I'll have to check it out.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Yes, who needs overdrive, and every one can use a granny gear, heck you won't need low range at all

Thats what gear vendors is for.