Hey guys. I've got a 1996 Mazda B3000 (not a ranger but close enough) with a 4 speed auto and 2wd that I would like to swap to a 4x4 5 speed manual. I think its the 4r44e model tranny. Anyways that trans is toast. I've also got a 1994 Mazda B3000 with a 3.0 but its a 5 speed manual. would the transmissions be interchangeable and how much work would it be/what other parts would I need to swap over transmissions. Especially in terms of computer/wiring things.
If that works out is it possible to add a manual T-case to the manual transmissions or are the typically a one piece design where the transmissions and T-case come as one part.
If the 4x4 swap is possible. if anyone knows what model of transfer case is used that would be great. So far I've found a BW1354 manual would work.
If anyone has done this could them let me know the amount of work it would be and if a 4x4 swap would work on a 4x2 chassis.
Also selling the truck and buying a 4x4 is not an option.
Any insight would be awesome.

 

Welcome to the forum

4WD was never an "option" on any vehicle, like AC or power windows, i.e. they didn't just decided to bolt on a front drive axle to make a 4WD version of any vehicle

The frame of a 4WD is different up front than a 2WD, strengthened
So a 4WD starts as a 4WD with the frame, then parts are bolted on

But you CAN do anything, just need to do some welding

The 1994 computer is a 60-wire EEC-IV, last year for it, 1995 and up use the 104-wire EEC-V, so computers and wiring are not compatible

The manual transmission from a 3.0l Vulcan engine will bolt to any other 3.0l Vulcan engine of any year, trans model is an M5OD-R1
The 1996 computer will turn on the CEL(check engine light) if there is no automatic trans connected, but it will still run the engine systems just fine
So you can swap in the manual trans
I think you will need a manual trans drive shaft matching your 1996 vehicle length, i.e. regular cab or extended cab, so if 1994 and 1996 are same length then you can use the 1994 drive shaft

2WD transmissions are different that 4WD transmissions, manual or automatic
4WD transmissions have a shorter tail shaft and housing to bolt transfer case to, so you would need a 4WD transmission
Transfer case is a BW1354 in 1990 and up Rangers
BW1354m for manual shift
BW1354e for electric shift
The manual shift transfer cases are fairly easy to come by, but the SHIFT LINKAGE to use them are harder to find, so heads up, need to get a COMPLETE unit with shift linkage


As said front frame on a 4WD Ranger is boxed and has different axle mounting points so welding is required
And measure, measure, and measure AGAIN, the front axle needs to be perfectly aligned to frame and rear wheels to get 4 wheel alignment or your tires will wear out in a month


All in all it would be better to fix your 1996 2WD automatic, then sell it and buy a 4WD manual trans Ranger that needs work, that would be time and money better spent if you like mechanical work, you can switch it to manual transfer case as needed

 

Awesome thanks for the info.
It looks like i may just be swapping in the manual after all.
If you don't mind what model of manual transmission would work in order to not have a check engine light on. Would it be the same model just from a 1995-97?
Again thanks for the help.

 

You would need a 1996 or 1997 Ranger/Mazda 3.0l Computer from manual trans vehicle, 2WD or 4WD doesn't matter to computer, just manual or auto matters, and of course engine size, i.e. 3.0l
Plug and play, no re-wiring needed
Well not quiet true, you will need to by-pass neutral switch and splice Reverse light wires, but cross that bridge when its time, not at all hard to do, all done with wires at current DTR switch on drivers side of transmission
So once you have the manual trans installed you will do this wiring change

The automatic trans computers have extra software/firmware to operate the shift solenoids in the automatics, since they are no longer hooked up the computer sets codes to let driver know there is a problem, and turns on the CEL

 

ok thanks for the help.
a 96 computer shouldn't be hard to get my hands on at all. But the wiring harness will al work then?

 

Yes, computer wiring is plug and play

 

Awesome thanks so much for the help