I’ve recently been really thinking of doing a manual to auto swap in my 2002 3.0 4 wheel drive Ranger. I actually put a new clutch and everything that goes with it less than 2000 miles ago, but have really been getting tired of shifting in the short local stopp and go traffic I haves been doing.

I have read every single thread on the topic and still have some questions. Has anyone actually successfully completed the swap? None of the threads ever concluded. Do I need to get a trans from a 3l or would one from a 4l work? (Mounting holes are probably different) Also which trans would be recommended to be swapped in and how can I Identify it while it is still on the vehicle? I would like to get the 5 spd one which I believe is the 5R55E? I also know I will need a new PCM for the auto trans to work, I plan to get that from which ever ranger I take the trans from. Will that need to bear reprogrammed to my VIN number or how does that work? I’m also assuming it has to be for a 3.0 and 4 wheel drive? Also is the PCM in charge of controlling the chip that is inside the key, or is that something else that I don’t need to change? Is there any other electronics that I will need/ modules? I know about the wiring harness and jumping the clutch position sensor. I know all the other parts I need based on reading other posts. Really the only thing that worries me is the electrical part. I know the rest wont be terrible.

My Ranger is not worth much and probably couldn’t even sell it for what I have put into it so far. Getting all the parts will be really easy as I have a You-Pull yard not far from me that has 5-6 rangers at any given time. They sell trans for less than $100 and all parts will be very cheep. I would only expect to pay maybe $300-350 for all parts needed.

Thanks for the help!