I have a 91 ranger 4x4 with the 2.9 and manual transmission and it’s starting to die (pretty much have no 4th gear). I found an engine and manual transmission from another 91 4x4 but it’s a 4.0. I plan on doing the full 4.0 swap in the future (I’m gonna do a bit of a rebuild on it first), but for now I need the trans because the truck is my daily. Will the transmission form the 4.0 bolt right to the 2.9? And will a tcase from a 4.0 be fine as well?

 

Yes, good swap

The M5OD-R1(M5R1) is a much better transmission than the FM-146

Yes it will bolt right up, 2.9l and 4.0l used the same block
You should use 4.0l clutch setup and flywheel, will also bolt right up, but you do not have to

M5R1 uses ATF, yes automatic transmission fluid in a manual trans, Mercon V, 2.8quarts bone dry, so refill maybe 2 and a little quarts

 

thanks and good to know!

 

Just as a heads up on the M5R1
There are 3 rubber plugs on the back of the shifter cover plate, these can dry out and crack, then leak, they don't leak alot because of location
When trans is out they are easy to inspect and replace as needed

More info here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/drivet...ission-123480/

The holes are there to remove the 3 shift rails when rebuilding the transmission
The metal plugs are fine to use if rubber plugs are not available, doesn't hurt anything

 

Thanks for the heads up! And just curious from earlier, why ATF?

 

ATF is a thinner oil than gear oil so makes for easier/better shifting, especially when cold, and it still maintains a coating on the parts, especially valuable with synchromesh transmission like the M5R1, even Reverse has a synchro gear

 

does this work on the 84 2.8L as well?