5 speed swap - 2.3, 3.0 and 4.0 trasnmission

[SkyRaider98]

I have a 1990 BII with a failed A4LD, I want to eventually swap to a 5 speed. I would like to swap the m5OD from a ranger into it, but I need some info.
Right now my plan is to get a running Ranger to daily for a while until I can get another vehicle to drive while I do the swap.
(never done a trans swap before, plus work keeps me pretty busy, so it will probably be a long process)
Here are my questions:

Does it matter the year of Ranger? I know that they used the M5OD from the early 90s to 2011, but they stopped using the TTB front axle in the mid 90s. Does that make a difference? Will a 5 speed from a non-TTB Ranger present
any problems?

Is there anything different in the trans between the 4.0, 3.0, 2.9 and 2.3? I know that 2.9 and 4.0 share the same bolt pattern. But will a M5 from a 2.3 or 3.0 Ranger bolt up to the 2.9 in my BII?

These are the questions I can think of for now. I'll have a bunch more questions when it comes to actually doing the swap, but like I said, that's down the road.
My main concern right now is getting a Ranger that has all or most of the parts I need.

Thanks!

 

[RonD]

Yes the 2.8l, 2.9l and 4.0l used the same Block so their bell housing bolt patterns are the same

The M5OD-R1(M5R1) doesn't have a detachable bell housings, its part of the main case

So an M5R1 from a 2.3l won't bolt to a 2.9l, or 3.0l
And an M5R1 from a 2.9l won't bolt to 2.3l or 3.0l
ect..................
So not mix and match

2.9l M5R1 will bolt to 4.0l and visa versa, that includes the M5OD-R1HD used on the 4.0l SOHC engines

2WD or 4x4 transmissions are also different so that needs to match as well

 

[RobbieD]

I just converted my '90 Bronco II from A4LD to manual, but mine's a 2WD. You will need a 4WD transmission.

If your circumstances allow it (i.e.- how soon that you're needing a daily driver), look hard for an '89 or '90 model 4WD Ranger with the 2.9L like yours. That way you'll have all of the "incidental" parts needed to do it the easiest way, and the right way, from your donor truck- pedals, engine computer, transmission wiring harness, floor plate and boot, and the steering column (or its parts). And, I'm not 100% sure, but I think that the 2.9L might have carried over into the 1991 4WD equipped Rangers.

A 4.0L donor would also work, but not quite as well- you can use the larger 4.0 flywheel and clutch, and the 4.0 starter, or buy the 2.9 flywheel and clutch. The engine computer would also be an issue that you'd have to get around.

Good luck!

 

[bobbywalter]

the later 4.0 has 8 holes in the flywheel as well....so theres stack up differentials with spacers ect....starter..

 

[Kylet]

Yes the 2.8l, 2.9l and 4.0l used the same Block so their bell housing bolt patterns are the same

The M5OD-R1(M5R1) doesn't have a detachable bell housings, its part of the main case

So an M5R1 from a 2.3l won't bolt to a 2.9l, or 3.0l
And an M5R1 from a 2.9l won't bolt to 2.3l or 3.0l
ect..................
So not mix and match

2.9l M5R1 will bolt to 4.0l and visa versa, that includes the M5OD-R1HD used on the 4.0l SOHC engines

2WD or 4x4 transmissions are also different so that needs to match as well

I have a 4 x 4, 4.0 that I want to swap to a manual transmission is it hard to do and do I need to flash the ECM or anything because my buddy told me you have to trick it into thinking it’s shifting like it still has a auto

 

[Shran]

I have a 4 x 4, 4.0 that I want to swap to a manual transmission is it hard to do and do I need to flash the ECM or anything because my buddy told me you have to trick it into thinking it’s shifting like it still has a auto

There are a million threads on here that show how to do the swap... search around a little and you will find exactly what you need to know.

You do not have to flash anything, an automatic ECM in a manual truck will just throw a couple codes because two shift solenoids on the auto trans are no longer present. Does not affect how it runs but it can affect whether or not you pass emissions, if you have that to deal with.

 

[lowsinthe20s]

There are a million threads on here that show how to do the swap... search around a little and you will find exactly what you need to know.

You do not have to flash anything, an automatic ECM in a manual truck will just throw a couple codes because two shift solenoids on the auto trans are no longer present. Does not affect how it runs but it can affect whether or not you pass emissions, if you have that to deal with.

I'm currently Swapping my B2 to a 4.0. I have an auto ECU from the 4.0, but I'm using a manual trans M5OD. Do I need a manual ECU for the codes to go away? Thanks.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I'm currently Swapping my B2 to a 4.0. I have an auto ECU from the 4.0, but I'm using a manual trans M5OD. Do I need a manual ECU for the codes to go away? Thanks.

Yes

 

[Shran]

I'm currently Swapping my B2 to a 4.0. I have an auto ECU from the 4.0, but I'm using a manual trans M5OD. Do I need a manual ECU for the codes to go away? Thanks.

Yep

 

[lowsinthe20s]

Yes

Do you know if it has to be the same year ECU or would that be an issue as well? Mine is a 94.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Do you know if it has to be the same year ECU or would that be an issue as well? Mine is a 94.

I dont know for sure. I would *assume* any 90-94 would work, but dont quote me

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Any 90-94 ECU should work as long as it matches the engine, in this case a 4.0.

The auto ECU will give a persistent high idle and will complain that it doesn’t “see” the transmission, but usually will not illuminate the CEL, it will just have some annoying codes. That is, if I remember right it will not give you a CEL.