I have a 98 XLT 2WD that one day will get a 5.0 engine and all-wheel drive via an Explorer/Mountaineer drivetrain swap. Right now I have a 2.5 with 220,000+ miles on it and it needs a trans swap. Currently has a used up 4R44E automatic. Getting the M50R2 hoping I don't have to buy a different trans now, and that one later. Trying to save $$$$.

The R2 will not fit your current engine (or any Ranger engine). For that matter, the 2.5 will have a different bolt pattern from the 3.0 and 4.0, so you'll need a transmission specific to the 2.3/2.5 engines.

Welcome to the forum

+1 ^^^

M5OD came in 2 size, R1 was used in smaller mid size Ford vehicles, R2 in the F-150/E-150 and up size vehicles

M5OD has integrated bell housing, doesn't detach
This means the M5OD will only fit on the engine size it was made for, no adapters available

So you will not find an M5R2 that fits your 2.5l engine, because that engine was never used in a vehicle that used the M5R2

The 4R44E is the same thing, while you can take the bell housing off, it does require a bit of a rebuild to do it because bell housing is also the front case for main transmission pump.

If you want to save money then swap in another 4R44E from a 2.3l or 2.5l Lima engine, 1995 to 2001.5
1995 to 1997 2.3l is the same engine as 1998-2001.5 2.5l engine, Ford just lengthened the stroke to get the .2l size difference

2001.5 and up 2.3l Rangers used a Mazda L engine, Ford calls it a Duratec engine, no relation to the 2.3l Lima engine, so won't fit your 2.5l Lima

2001.5 means Ford changed engines mid year, so 2001 Rangers made before June 2001 had 2.5l Lima engines, after June 2001 Ranger got the 2.3l Duratec engine

I see...so I'm wondering, what five speed manual can be bolted up to the 2.3/2.5 Lima that will fit in my '98 Ranger?

I'm still learning about the Rangers.

Only a Mazda M5OD-R1 from a 2.3/2.5 Lima engine. Has to be the same drivetrain type as well, e.g. 2WD or 4WD.

Yes, +1 again


Also need the clutch/brake pedal assembly and steering column if you want to get rid of the column shifter.

There will be a plate under the carpet that can be removed for the floor shifter

Thanks for all info. Much appreciated!