So I am trying to decide what I want to swap into my truck down the line. I'm either doing a 01-03 4.0 with Twin Sticks or I am going Expo EFI 5.0 HO. Around the same time I will be SASing. I am leaning towards the 4.0 simply because of the fact I want to run a manual tranny and I want to run a manual transfer case and that be much simpler. Minus the annoying compatibility issues between 2000s and 01+s, but that is another issue all together. I know some 5.0 guys run 1354s (which I would rather not) and some even run the BW4406 (F-150 manual t-case). But always on stock Expo 5.0 automatic trannys. I've never seen a manual one.

So is there a manual transmission/manual t-case combo for the EFI 5.0 HO or do I HAVE to go automatic transmission?

Will a 5.0 F-150 manual tranny/t-case combo swap in or will be be too big or just flat out not work?

Thanks

 

An M5ODR2 out a 97~03 4.2L F150 can be made to work with the 5.0 Ex engine. Since it comes out of the same F150, a BW4406 is a direct bolt up to the 4x4 version of this transmission, manual linkage and all,

The earlier 4x4 M5ODR2 out of the 96-back 5.0L F150/Bronco is a little longer front to rear and the shifter position is not nearly as good for a Ranger (way too far forward). It also takes a different transfer case shift linkage intended for the BW1356 that was used in that powertrain.

The BW4406 is much larger than the Ranger's BW1354 in every dimension plus it has an extension housing hanging off the back. You would almost certainly run into serious clearance issues in a regular cab short bed Ranger running a 5.0/R2/4406. There is an adapter kit from Advance that should allow you to bolt the 1354 to the R2 instead. That combo might be OK in a RC/SB but it would be a good idea to take some very careful measurements first. You should expect to have to do custom driveshaft work regardless.

 

That kinda sucks about the clearance issues with the 4406 on my wheelbase but it makes sense considering the gas tank position.

I was going to try to avoid running V6 trans/t-case on a V8 since I might have the 5.0 built up to put out like 300-350hp. I would be worried about the drivetrain not holding up. Oh well, looks like I don't have an option though.

Thanks for all the info Bob! This defiantly makes me want to lean back towards the 4.0. Sounds like a lot of a less headache.

 

The V6 R2 is the same as used in the 4.6 V8 F150 except for the bell pattern. It should hold at least 300 lb-ft input torque without any problem, probably quite a bit more. The 4406 is the same in both.

My biggest complaint with the R2 is that it uses exactly the same POS slave cylinder as in the Ranger's R1. Also the shifting is about the same, which is to say, mediocre. Nonetheless I'll be converting mine to the R2. If it isn't severely abused, I think it will be fine in my Ranger even with the blown V8.

Keep in mind that most full size t-cases use the same 6-bolt pattern and input spline so you could shop around for a smaller F/S case to bolt to the R2. For example, the NP205 is supposed to be very compact but I don't have any personal experience with it.

 

Interesting. I think this sounds like a lot of a pain in my butt though haha. I will defiantly weigh everything when I park it and start shopping. I think considering all the stuff I'm gonna have to deal with trying to run a manual V8 4x4 Ranger I'm gonna do a 4.0. That way I don't get in over my head and I know everything is gonna fit right. And I can't get crazy with the V8. Last thing I need is a 400hp monster truck that I need to get through Ohio winter in. Over kill.

 

Hey some guys is selling a Tremec 3550 that he had on a 97 5.0 2WD. Would this mate up to a BW1354? Would that trans be better than a M5ODR2?

 

If it's a 2WD transmission, it wouldn't seem likely that it could bolt up directly to any transfer case.

 

Figured. This thread has DEFIANTLY convinced me that I want to go with a 4.0.

Thanks for all the info Bob!! You're the man!!