thoughts on 2.3 trans

[herb101]

Greetings
When I graduated HS I had a 1989 long bed 2wd 2.3l Ranger and I sold it back in 99 and I miss the hec out of it and because of the fever I found one for cheap.

I got the truck with a Mazda 2wd 5 spd in it. I really wish I could find a 2.3 4x4 trans but they are hard to find. Any thoughts on getting a 4x4 trans... maybe even parts from a 4.0 or a 3.0 5spd trans? Is it even possible to use 4.0 and 3.0 transmission parts in the 2.3 case? 4.0/3.0 4x4 transmissions are pretty common this is why I ask. Thanks in advance.

[FordRacingZX3]

I've heard somewhere that the 2.3 and 3.0 use the exact same everything other then the bell housing, maybe its the same in the 4x4's

[herb101]

I've heard the same thing. The other thing I heard is that 4.0 eternals are more stout and could work.
I think if I change the tail housing and output shaft I can have a 4x4 trans but I'm not 100% sure. I guess I'll quest and try to find a 3.0 trans to clone part off unless anyone thinks 4.0 trans parts will work. Thanks for the info.

[gumby]

this guy did the reverse of what you are trying to do. it can be done
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257219

i would really like to put 4.0 internals in my 2.3 M5. its on my junkyard list....someday.....

[jfive]

too bad they don't make the bellhousing removable on the little ones.

[herb101]

Thank you for the link:)... Thats awsome!!!
I agree about the bell housings 100%

[Jesshwarren]

It takes a lot of power to break the M5OD.

[herb101]

It takes a lot of power to break the M5OD.

That's what I keep hearing about the M5OD which I'm pretty sure that's what I have. I've pondered since this last post and I was thinking instead of trying to find a junk yard doner, why not rebuild what I have and just aquire the parts I need to make it a 4x4 trans?

If you have any idea where a guy can buy these parts or even a reputable trans shop in the DE, MD, PA, NJ area that would be awsome. I don't know how hard the M5OD is to rebuild. I have completely rebuilt a NV4500 out off my 98 Cummins and it's still running strong 47,000 miles ago. My thoughts were, if I'm going to turbo my Ranger I want to have a solid drivetrain. I don't plan on going over 200hp just a mild set up. Thank you in advance for your thoughts, wisdom, and knowledge.

[TURBO Ranger]

Basically there are 2 versions of the M5OD, the R1 and R2. The R1 is a light duty and was used behind most of the small stuff from 2.3 to 4.0 with 1"x23 spline inputs and identical guts. There is a HD variant that was built for 4. SOHC engined vehicles. The R2 is a medium duty that was used behind big stuff like 4.9 & 5.0 & maybe 5.8(not sure about them). The most desired M5OD is the version that came behind 3.8L supercharged Thunderbirds that have a tail housing shifter and a more compact bell to fit in the thunderbird tunnel. The R1 are basically indestructible and all had 1 1/16"x10 spline input.
Any M5OD is a very stout tranny, and if serviced and prepared properly can hold up to tremendous power output. Oh, and all M5ODs no matter R1 or R2, had a 0.79OD.

[fordnut71]

car-parts.com

[Soul]

side note and not stick but interesting may I present frankentranny.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117793