2.3 Manual Trans Bolts
 

I'm pulling the transmission on my truck and was curious how many bolts is it supposed to have holding it together with the engine ? So far I have removed 9.

Is there 2 bolts above the starter? I have the one directly over the starter out, but not sure if there is another one.

If there is, how in the world do I get to it?

Thanks in advance for any insight!!
BGreen

2008 Ranger 2.3L Manual

9 sounds excessive, you have an M5R1(M5OD-R1) manual transmission

But does look like 10.......holy smokes, one hole at 10:00 looks like it is threaded so bolt comes from engine side, starter motor?

Look here: 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION 2WD 2.3L FORD RANGER | eBay
Picture of the front of the bell housing looks like 10 bolt holes


On another note
The 2.3l Duratec engine was designed for use in FWD cars with engine mounted sideways
So a cooling hose and fitting are installed on the back of the head, which would be easy to get to in a car
Not so much in a Ranger, many replace this fitting and hose when transmission is out as preventive maintenance, since it is almost impossible to get at if it starts leaking down the road

Thanks! At least I know for sure theres 10. I guess I'll be at it again trying for it.

One more question..

What clutch kit should i get? PowerTorque or LukRepSet?
I can get the LukRepSet from RockAuto for 106.00. The powerTorque is from Oreilly at 186.00.

Not sure which is a better brand

I have always used LUK and never been disappointed, and always a good price as well

The company LUK makes the Ford clutches, under Fords Motorcraft name, same as Autolite makes Fords Motorcraft spark plugs
Are they exactly the same...........no, Ford has specs that have to be met, like quality control that includes inspection of each part before it is shipped to Ford, human labor is VERY EXPENSIVE these days, so human inspection for each part shipped makes 3rd party parts too expensive, and why Dealer/Ford parts are so expensive.
So your LUK clutch is a safe bet, Ford Dealer clutch would be next best

Never EVER, get a racing clutch, unless of course you don't drive truck on the street and do indeed race it
They use a sticky clutch material that GRABS great, but wears out about 75% faster than regular clutch material