I've decided I wanna definitely go with column shift conversion in my ranger when I put a second hand motor in it and different transmission
Regardless of c3 or c5 or a4ld Can I use the column shift column from 93-97 what else will I need to make it work going from a 5 speed ? Is this straight forward ?
Meaning if I use a 95-97 duratec engine will that make a difference if I pulled a 93-94auto column ?Or if I try for a a4ld swap does the a4ld have to match the specific engine year for bellhousing Any sensors pcm involved harness ?
What configuration would I be looking for?
Id be interested to see some links or illustrations for a column shifter in a gen 2 how does the linkage get to the trans ? Or is it electronically shifted

 

You need the column shifter and the instrument cluster section that shows what gear is selected

Yes column should be from similar year

"Duratec" is a name Ford used for the 2.3l Mazda L engine used in Rangers from mid-2001 to 2012, so no 95-97 Duratec's

A4LD, 4R and 5R automatics all need computer control
C-series didn't

All can be operated by a cable shifter like the one used in Rangers, so easily adapted
The computer controlled automatics had an OverDrive on/off button on the shift arm, and a light on the dash showing OD OFF when it is off, this ran to computer(PCM)

Yes, all bell housings are engine specific, so decide on the engine and then look for matching automatic

Also 2WD or 4x4 transmissions are not interchangeable

For Ranger engines
2.9l OHV, 4.0l OHV or 4.0l SOHC used same bell housings
2.3l Lima and 2.3l Duratec did NOT
3.0l Vulcan is different from others as well

You can go here to match bell housings to engines: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...using_patterns