I've got an '87 Ranger (manual transmission) and I've been having trouble getting it into reverse. It's possible, but the stick wants to rotate so you have to prevent that and also use some force. I thought it was the shifter assembly and a trip to the mechanic confirmed that. Mechanic recommends replacing the whole shifter assembly, but I can't find the part and he hasn't been able to find one yet either.

Does anyone either have a part they'd be willing to sell me or have another solution I could try to get by? My driveway is long and narrow so there's really no driving it without reverse.

 

Welcome to the forum

Couple of transmissions it could be
4-speed or 5-speed?
2WD or 4x4?
4cyl or V6 engine?

 

5-speed, 2WD, 4 cyl

 

You have a Toyo Kogyo 5 speed, also known as TK5

Google: TK5 shifter parts

 

Thanks. Still having trouble finding anybody with an in-stock shifter assembly for the TK5. This model really isn't rebuildable, so I need the full assembly. I see Allstate Gear had one, but it's out of stock with no anticipated return date. The only place I can find one is Core Shifter, but that's $300. I'll do it if I have to, but I don't need a short throw and would rather save the money if I can. Time to try some junkyards I suppose!

 

You can use a M5OD-R1(M5R1) 5-speed from a 1988 to 1997 2.3l Ranger 2WD
Up thru 1997 they had speedometer cable hook up, 1998 and up has no speedo cable hook up

The M5R1 is a much better transmission, Ford used it from 1988 thru 2011
But has an integrated bell housing(not detachable) so must be from a 2.3l SOHC Lima engine
It uses ATF, not gear oil, just FYI

Try https://www.car-part.com/

Look for 1995 Ford Ranger transmission, your zipcode, and then M/T(manual trans) 2WD when it comes up
As said it needs to come from a 2.3l, 1997 and older

You will need an M5R1 driveshaft matching YOUR vehicle length, i.e. regular or supercab 2WD, and 1992 or earlier, body change in 1993, and I think it got a bit longer

Reason I mention it is because if you think the TK5 is worn out no use spending money on it, parts for the M5R1 will be around for a long while, and used are pretty safe bets, they were very good transmissions

Only electrical is the Reverse light plug in, make sure to get it with the M5R1, but you can buy that connector

 

As far as I know and based on what I've seen so far, the transmission isn't worn out, just the shifter assembly. If it does get to the point that the transmission is wearing out I'll keep that in mind, but I don't want to go to the effort of replacing the whole transmission when it's just the shifter assembly that's causing problems at the moment.

 

Sorry I read this out of context "This model really isn't rebuildable...................", you were referring to the shifter assembly, I was "reading" TK5 as the model, lol

 

Lol no worries, I totally see how I wasn't as clear with my phrasing as I could have been. If you come across a spare shifter assembly let me know, otherwise I'm going to keep searching.

Joe

 

Can't speak for the condition, but have you seen this one?

1983 Ford ranger transfer case shifter and manual transmission shifter.Boot **** | eBay

 

Boy, somehow I missed this and wish I'd seen it earlier. I bit the bullet and got a Core shifter which set me back $330, but that Ebay listing looks all metal, and not too worn from the photos. Oh well, I'll have a nice one now!

Joe