How is it going, everybody?

so I recently purchased a 98 2wd, excellent condition, no leaks, minimal surface rust, etc. The thing was a banging deal at 2k, but the only thing that seemed off was that it was an automatic switching to a manual. I'm no Mechanic, tho I wish I had the knowledge. The truck feels great, drives great, and goes through every gear very well.

My issue with this transmission is that I don't know what vehicle it came from ( 1l54-5speed)? I wanted to change the fluid but I can't find any information about this,
as well as is this a popular swap?

My second issue is that while looking over the underside of the truck, I found what I believe is the automatic transmission control plate? ( black plate looking thing with 'R' 'D' 'N' letters)

^ with that being said I'm pretty sure that when they did the swap, they didn't swap the computer as well so it's still relying on the "automatic" computer and other components. although the truck feels great (just did a tune-up as well) something doesn't sit right with me, that being that when changing gears/rev-matching the truck hesitates just a bit (could be just human error on my part)

The main real thing I wanted to know is what I would need for the swap to be complete, I know I need a computer for sure, but I don't know what else would be needed, and again truck shifts just fine with very little hesitation

I'm more than able to upload pictures as soon, as I get a reply
needless to say, i appreciate any help or interaction
have a blessed day.

 

1L54 Means that the transmission likely came from a 2001+ Ranger. No big deal on a 98, as your truck pulls the speed signal from the rear axle and not the transmission. What's important to know is that the manual transmissions on Rangers are engine specific. Each engine has a different bellhousing pattern, and the bellhousing on the transmission is integral and cannot be removed. This means that if you have a 3.0 V6, your transmission needs to be for a 3.0 V6. Same goes for the 2.3/2.5 4 cylinder, the 4.0 V6, and the 2.3 Duratec (2001+).

The M5OD-R1 (That's the transmission you have) takes Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid. Yes, you read that right. It's what Ford specifies.

I believe the "control plate" you found is the Transmission Range Sensor. When people swap these trucks to a manual, this needs to be left in park or neutral to allow the truck to start. Some people will cut the wires from the sensor and bypass it. Yours was just left in place.

You can tell whether the computer has been swapped by hooking up the truck to a code scanner. Most code scanners (not the basic ones) that have advanced functions will tell you the vin number stored in the computer. If it doesn't match your truck's vin, the computer has been swapped.

There's code in the computer (on manuals, not sure about automatics) that tells the rpms to hold for a few seconds, and if I recall correctly, it's an emissions thing. It's noticeable, but barely. If the rpms are hanging for what seems like a long time, you may have a faulty Throttle Position Sensor.

As for how to "complete" the 5 speed swap, it's been seven years since I swapped my truck to a manual, so I don't really remember all of the ins and outs. But I made a video years ago that kinda details some of the things that can be expected when swapping these trucks to manual transmission, so maybe it will be of use to you.