So I just got a 1995 Ranger, 4.0, manual, 4x4. It has a bad transmission, 2nd and 3rd gear are gone, and it grinds in neutral. I will be replacing the transmission at the end of this month. I don’t have very much money to work with so I decided I should source a transmission from the auto recycler rather than buy a refurbished transmission.

My question is, which transmissions should I be looking for from which vehicles that will be a direct drop in more or less? I found a list of vehicles that have either the DR1, DR2, or HD transmission. I’m not sure which vehicles to look for and which to stay away from.

 

Welcome to the forum

You will need an M5OD-R1 also known as an M5R1
These have a one-piece case so bell housing is NOT detachable, this means only an M5R1 from a 4.0l engine will work for you
M5OD-R2 is a larger version and won't fit Rangers engines

2WD and 4x4 transmissions have different tail shafts, so you need an M5R1 from a vehicle with 4.0l and 4WD, conversion is possible just not practical, might as well rebuild yours if you consider 2WD to 4x4 trans conversion

So you can use 1990-2012 M5R1 from 4.0l 4x4 Ranger OR Mazda B4000 4x4 in your 1995 Ranger

1994 to 2008 Mazda B4000(4.0l) used the same transmissions as Ranger of the same years

Explorers and Aerostars came with automatics, manual was the Optional trans you paid extra for, so not many out there, but yes 4.0l/4WD version would work
Bronco II is same thing, 2.9l M5R1 would be hens teeth though, 4.0l was never offered in the B-IIs

Your Transfer case will bolt to any 4x4 M5R1 and the transfer case has the speedometer VSS for 1995 models, so that is not an issue, like it is on 2WD

Manual trans only has the Backup(reverse) Light electrical connection, no Neutral switch, pull your backup light switch out of current trans to install on the next trans as the 2 wire connector may be different on the new trans.
Switch is the same, just connectors changed

Rangers/B4000 used the 4.0l OHV engines from 1990-2000
In 2001 Rangers/B4000s got the 4.0l SOHC engine, same bolt pattern but an extra bolt was added, Ford renamed trans to M5OD-R1HD for the 4.0l SOHC, its the same transmission but shifter fitment is slightly different
If you get a 2001 and up M5R1 makes sure you get it complete WITH shifter, your 1995 shifter won't work
Clutch is the same for all years with 4.0l