I have a 95 Ranger that the trans (5speed) has gone out in. I have a 03 Ranger that has been wrecked. From what I understand both 5 speed transmissions are the same. The bell housings are different. The 95 has the 2.3L and the 03 is a 3.0L. If I can't swap the trannys will the front clip from the 95 fit on the 03? Also can I change the steering column? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Both will be M5OD-R1(M5R1) transmissions, which means internally they used the same parts.
But yes the outside case which includes bell housing was different, made to fit different engine models, so 2.3l M5R1 won't fit 3.0l and visa versa, same for 4.0l M5R1
2WD and 4WD also had different rear housings and tailshafts
Also speedometer(speed sensor) would be an issue, you pretty much need a 2001 and up trans to get the correct OSS sensor placement and tone wheel on trans tailshaft

There were 3 generations of Rangers
1983 to 1992
1993 to 1997
1998 to 2012

1993 to 2012 were very similar in size so you may be able to get '95 front to fit '03 but there would be some modification needed

Steering column should fit, but you will need to add PATS wand(transceiver) to '95 column, not sure how that would be done?
You could just remove the wand and tape a working PATS key inside it then tuck it up under the dash, so non-PATS key could be use for start up