91 Ranger 2wd auto to manual tranny swap (2.3L)

[irondragon79]

did a quick search, but didn't find anything, but heres my question.

I have a 1991 Ranger, 2.3L with a 5spd manual, that the body is completely shot on. I just picked up another 1991 Ranger, w/ an auto that has low miles, decent body but the tranny is shot.. but hey, I can't complain for $200

How how hard would it be to swap out the auto tranny and replace it with the manual? I'm guessing it would need the tranny/clutch/flywheel, pedal assembly, and the manual steering column (and instrument cluster since I won't need the gear shift indicator). Did Ford use just one wiring harness for these trucks, or are they differant from auto to manual? Would I need to swap out computers? Do they use the same cross members and driveshafts? Anything else I missed?

Both trucks are standard cab, 2wd with short boxes if that matters at all.

I'm hoping this is a simple swap and I really hope to get one of the 2 road worthy soon.

Any help you guys can give would be greatly appreciated.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

I'm guessing the one you bought has a decent running 2.3 in it? If the motor's shot, I'd swap out the tranny and engine on your old one into the new Ranger.

If you are swapping the transmissions, there are a couple things.

For the most part, the wiring is very simple. The clutch switch connector should still be present on the auto harness, although it will be zip tied up and away. The pedals are difficult to swap out, but with patience you can do it. I would swap out computers for gas mileage purposes, as some readings are taken off of the automatic and since it won't be there, it could affect your motor's efficiency.

The instrument cluster you can leave as long as you don't mind the selector gauge, as well as your steering column as long as you just cut off the gear selector and patch over it. The crossmembers should be the same, but I am not positive on older years.

You'll need to rip out the shift cable for the automatic, and install the clutch master cylinder in that hole on the firewall; at least that's where the shift cable ran out on my truck (1998). Mount the resevoir whereever you can put it.

 

[irondragon79]

Actually both trucks have really good running engines, both with under 130,000, although the new truck (with the shot auto) has issues with the throttle body linkage sticking that I can't seem to free up.

Near as I can tell my best option at the moment is to simply swap over the manual tranny into the truck that currently has the auto in it since that truck has the good body and an even better interior (XLT in near mint shape).

I think the best thing I can do is park the 2 trucks side by side and take a look at all of the connections and such and get a plan of attack to the actual swap. The one benefit I have is having a complete running donor truck.