f150 4x4 manual trans to 2wd

[broncobuckinaround]

i want to know if i can convert a 4x4 trans to 2wd trans. can i put a 2wd tail on a 4wd transmission.

im building a ranger racer and i found a 91 f150 5.0 manual trans 4x4. but i dont want the 4x4.

 

[RonD]

You can but it will probably cost more than any good deal you get on a pre-'96 M5OD-R2 4WD trans.
2WD Tail shaft housing shouldn't be inexpensive but you need the 2WD output shaft and to install it, which requires some disassembly of the 4WD trans

The 1997 and up M5OD-R2 transmissions that came in the V6(4.2L) F-150s have same bolt pattern as Windsor small block(5.0l) and have the shifter in the same place as Ranger does, so better match up.
Loads of 1997 and up 2WD F-150 V6s out there, so shouldn't be hard to find

Quick ebay look came up with this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-F150-M5R2-5-SPEED-TRANSMISSION-3-8-4-2-V-6-TYPE-1997-UP-GOOD-CONDITION-/132074580500

The V6 trans/engine bolt holes are slightly smaller than 5.0l bolts so need to be drilled out.
But it is the same M5OD-R2 inside as used on any Ford V8
And the newer, 1995 and up Manuals should have the faster shifting syncros

 

[broncobuckinaround]

thx ron you all ways have a great answer and awesome advice.

so what trans came in the 91 f150. i dont have the truck yet. i was waiting to see if it was possible to swap that 4x4 out.

m5od r2 came on v6s and fits v8. all i have to do is drill the proper hole size

 

[RonD]

1991 also had M5OD-R2 just had shifter farther forward.
It was used in F-150s since 1988, and full size Broncos since 1987
The M5OD transmission series have integrated bell housings, not detachable, so each trans made was engine specific, inside they are the same, outside they are not

1996 and older had shifter farther forward so didn't fit Rangers well, new hole cut in floor and custom bent shift arm needed
In 1997 shifter was moved farther back so matched Ranger M5OD-R1 placement.

You can change the 4WD to 2WD and if you had a bad 2WD Trans and got a good 4WD then I would say go for the swap, but.............buying a 4WD trans and then buying parts for the swap might not be the best.

I would price 2WD 1997 and up M5OD-R2 transmissions from 4.2l V6 engine just to see what difference would be.
It will be a better trans with newer parts and shifter placement will be same as Ranger had

Yes, all you are doing is reeming out the holes, I think 1/8", it is not much, 4.2l bolts were metric, 5.0l bolts were standard

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I think 97-98 had the holes for the speedo... but they used a sensor not a normal cable drive so pay attention to that. Things may be different and you may have to open it up and change parts for that.

Us 4x4 guys get off easy just picking the appropriate transfer case to get the speedo drive.

4.2 uses 12mm bolts, 5.0 uses 1/2".

If you are building a higher HP drag truck or something you might be better off looking at something like a T5 and building it up. They are made for being shifted faster and have better ratios for racing.

M5OD is a truck trans and drives like a truck trans.

 

[broncobuckinaround]

thanks ron thanks ranger.

ranger this is going to be street and strip. hoping for around 400hp. i think because its a truck trans it should hold up fine. fingers crossed.

ron as far as finding another trans. i get the hole truck for 800. i deffenitaly like the idea of shifting faster with the newer trans. but like ranger said it has a electric speedo. i dont want the extra work making that work.

lol im going to have a hard enough time wiring the dash. unless the f150 fits in the ranger. lol i like to dream.