I have a 2006 Ranger that I'm swapping a 4.0 SOHC from a 2001 Explorer into.
I'm trying to find any manual transmissions that would work on that engine. The Ranger is setup for a manual already, just trying to find a transmission I can bolt onto it. I looked at pictures and part numbers thinking that I could use a transmission out of a second gen 2.3 Ranger. But the clutch plate is too big for the bellhousing.
Looking at buying a "new" transmission online is insanely expensive, and the U-Pull it lots here are trash at telling you the inventory let alone trying to find a 4.0 w/ a manual.
So main question, can I use a manual transmission for something else that uses the 4.0 SOHC that can just bolt right on? Or am I just SOL?

I attached images of the bolt pattern I have, if it helps

 

You'll need a manual transmission from
2001 - 2011 Ranger with a 4.0 SOHC
2001 - 2009 Mazda B4000 - with a 4.0 SOHC
2001 - 2003 Explorer or Sport Trac - with a 4.0 Sohc

 

Okay, is there anything I need to keep an eye out for or no?

 

Be sure to replace the 2 external timing change tensioners in the used 4.0l SOHC, only use Motorcraft brand
And do that every 100k miles

Only manual transmission ever made that fits the 4.0l OHV or 4.0l SOHC is the M5OD-R1(M5R1), M5R1 is a "model" not what it fits, like "Ranger" is a model, doesn't mean it's a 4x4 or 2WD, that's a sub-model feature

M5R1 does not have detachable bell housing, so each one is engine specific, so an M5R1 from any other size engine will not fit on the 4.0l SOHC
2WD or 4x4 transmissions have different output shafts, manual OR automatic, so also specific to use

2011Supercabs list is complete, and MUST be 2001 or later to have the OSS sensor required by your 2006 computer

ALSO must match 2WD or 4x4, whatever your 2006 is


And you make it sound like you are changing engine size???
So 2006 Ranger was a 2.3l or 3.0l?
If so you will also need a 4.0l SOHC manual trans computer AND its matching instrument cluster(from same vehicle), engine computer and instrument cluster are a MATCHED PAIR on 2004 and up Rangers, keeps people from swapping in lower mile odometers

2005 4.0l computer(for manual trans) and cluster would be best to use, no PATS(passive anti-theft system), all other years have PATS so your 2006 keys will need to be added to the new 4.0l computer/cluster PATS system before you can start the engine

And just as a heads up when changing engine size in Rangers, 302(5.0l) V8 swap is the same amount of work, and better results, because you can just go out and buy a Factory Ranger with 4.0l SOHC, no muss no fuss, but not a Factory V8 Ranger, lol

 

Oh I went through and rebuilt the engine over the past couple of years
And I know about the cast housing of the M50D-R1 transmissions. I was mainly curious if I could say "Screw it" and snag a trans from a 4.0L Mustang and through it in, or any other vehicle that used both that engine. And had a manual trans option. Because trying to find both a 4.0 and manual Ranger has been a nightmare and a half.
I was planning on getting a new ECU and PCM anyways, plus I'm 90% sure I don't have those special chip keys or whatever. The main key I used when it ran was a copied key and it worked fine.
The 2006 what an I4 2.3L that had a connecting rod move to the oil pan, and I want to turn the truck into a pre-runner. And the 2 classes that the Ranger can go into has limits on engine size (4.2L I think), number of cylinders (6), and a max horsepower of 300. If those weren't the case. Yeah I would've just dumped a 5.0 in that thing and went ham XD

 

2006 for sure had PATS
And these keys can be Cloned, copied, but you do need a working PATS key to start with

Yes, you could use any transmission from a vehicle that used the 4.0l OHV or SOHC but the Ranger(truck) transmission would be a better choice for gearing, a 6-speed trans just has a 2nd OverDrive, not sure how often that would be practical, I guess that would depend on rear axle ratio and tire size

ECU is the same as PCM, just FYI, lol, love the abbreviations, alphabet soup, Ford calls their engine computer(ECU) the Powertrain Control Module(PCM)

In any case you will most likely want to have the 4.0l SOHC PCM tuned, and the tuner can delete PATS and also delete PCMs automatic trans software, so you could use manual trans PCM or automatic trans PCM

The 2004 and up PCMs expect a "handshake" from the Digital Cluster(HEC) with Key on, not PATS related, 2004 Rangers got the HECs so people couldn't swap in lower mile odometers, they have a microprocessor built in
Without proper "handshake" PCM will not allow startup

Many of the display functions on the HEC come from PCM via a network link, CAN Bus network, what most vehicle use now-a-days
Speedometer, Tach, Temp, fuel level are things that come digitally from the PCM

check https://www.car-part.com/
Searches local(zipcode) wrecking yards for used parts

Look for 2011 Ranger 4.0l manual trans(M/T) 2WD
Later model may have less miles, lol, but it will also show earlier years that will fit
2001-2011 will work, as said

You can also search for PCMs, "computer Box engine"