I've been considering for a while now about saving up my money and swapping to a manual transmission so i could get better gas mileage and have a proper transmission. But I thought it would be much better if I could get a 6 speed instead of a 5-speed for the obvious increase in gas mileage. But i've never heard on anyone doing that in a Ranger before and I don't know any 6-speeds that will fit and i was hoping someone on here might.
I have a 2002 4.0L V6 with auto tranny and 4.10 gearing

 

You will need to start with an engine swap to get a 6 speed. Unless you get a custom bell-housing made for one.

Even the last 4.0 mustangs still rocked a 5 speed.

 

I would think a Mazda Speed 6 or late gen fusion AWD transmission would be high on my list of things to look at. Then get a custom transmission adapter made to mate the bell housing to the engine.

Nissan guys do this when their turbo motors become too much for their transmission's to handle. know a few guys who use Z33 transmissions on their SR20 powered 240s....

 

Might need custom driveshafts

 

A transverse mounted trans wont fit in the ranger tunnel. They still drive the front wheels like the traditional fwd trans.


For a 2wd 302 with a t56 would be easiest, 4wd and 6 speed that's a hard one. Unless you divorce the case, then that would work well.



Drive shafts are phone call away.

 

honestly, a 6th gear isn't going to be too much benefit IMO. It would only be for cruising anyway.... I would do the 5spd and be done with it.

 

I agree on with the guy above... not too much to gain (unless you're consistenly traveling over 80 mph on the highway and have a V8) or are racing the truck at the drag strip or whatever.

If the ratios aren't matched up right, the 4.0 won't have enough ***** to keep the truck moving in 6th. I'm don't think you can get a T-56 that would go well with a 3.0 or 4.0 V6 longitudal application anyhow.

If it's a V8 swap 2wd, go for it. Beware with 4wd though, a lot more work will be required.

 

Did I say I wanted this swap?

I tried to make that point in first response.

 

Dont think its worth the hassle. I took the easy way out and just bought a dodge. Fwiw, I still drive it like a 5 speed. Unless your towing something or taking off on a steep grade, I start in second w/ no problems. 2008 Ram QC, 4.7, 4x4 power everything, took FOREVER to find. Found it locally and didnt hesitate, absolutely love it. The dakota may still spec the g238, but i know the ram doesnt anymore.

 

easy killer, I don't think my post ever suggested you wanted or that you agreed with the idea.

I was just stating that it didn't have much functionality and the cost benefit isn't there.