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So after some calling around and some googling Ive found out that my trans is an M5R1. After more searchign I came across this exploded view of the trans http://www.kormextrans.com/diagram(01).html My question is, Is the only difference between a 2wd and a 4wd tranny the (I would call it) tail of the unit? The back end of the trans in the diagram comes to a point where the 2wd driveshaft enters the trans. On 4wd this end of the trans must hook up to the transfer case correct? My conclusion is that if I were to find a 2wd M5R1 in a boneyard I could just remove the 2wd tail and bolt the transfer cse to it when I reinstall the tranny, correct?

Thanks
DanO

 

nope, the tailhousing is different, however the actual output shaft of the transmission is different between the 2wd and 4wd versions, and the only way to change out the tailshaft is to remove pretty much all of the internal parts. you're best choice is to find a 4x4 tranny, and where you have a 4.0 there are a ton of 4x4 M5ODs around. you're just as likely to find a 2wd for the 4.0 in a junk yard as you are to find a 4x4 for a 4.0 and keep in mind you can look from 90-91ish all the way up to the 2006 models for the correct tranny, as long as it is behind a 4.0 it will be an M5OD (unless someone did some creative swapping) so find a 4.0 4x4 tranny and you will much happier than trying to mess with swapping out the internals. they should be the same price anyway in a yard as neither one is rare.

 

So is M5OD the same as M5R1? On THIS page it lists an M5OD-R1

Working on raising the cash for this, in the meantime Ive been getting great mileage skipping 4th

 

yes, the actual full designation for the tranny in your ranger is the Mazda M5OD-R1. DO NOT confuse it with the M5OD-R2 which is the Mazda tranny from the full sizes. Some times the M5OD-R1 is refered to as the M5R1 by people who are lazy... but the type of tranny is the M5OD and the model designation for the rangers and explorers is R1, so you have an M5OD-R1 which is what all 5-speed rangers from 90ish to now have in them. they have an integral bellhousing which means you need to get a replacemtne tranny that was behind the same engine that you have (4.0 in your case) and the 2wd and 4x4 versions differ in the tail housings AND in the actual output shaft so they are not easily interchangeable, which means it is best to find the exact model you are looking for.

 

Thank you very much for the info. I got my tranny numbers from the guy at Advance, and I know they arent always reliable. I meant to call the dealer today but forgot too.