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I have a 1987 Ford Ranger 2.9 ltr auto with the A4LD tranny. I also have the push button 4x4 selector in the roof of the truck. I have the tranny shifter in the floor.
I would like to change from an auto tranny and push button transfer case to a manual transmission and a manual transfer case and manual hubs. I am not afraid of work.
I have searched all sites and it is still not entirely clear to me even though this has been asked before; what exactly is everything I need to make this conversion. Could someone provide me with a list so that I don't leave anything out? And maybe some do's, don'ts, and things that I should make sure of.

 

Welcome to the forum

Best manual swap would be an M5OD-R1(M5R1) transmission from a 4.0l Ranger 4x4 or Mazda B4000 4x4, 1990 to 2011 will work, has to be a 4x4 transmission, from a 4.0l engine, 3.0l or 2.3l M5R1 transmission will NOT work
2.9l and 4.0l use the same block so same bell housing bolt pattern
The M5R1 was a better transmission than the FM series used from 1983 to 1989

You will need flywheel and clutch set depending on what transmission you decide on, and starter motor might be different

You need a manual transfer case from a 1983 to 1997 Ranger any engine size is fine, and it will bolt to the M5R1, in 1998 and up transfer cases don't have speedometer cable hook up, which you need
The earlier transfer cases are BW1350, in 1990 they went to BW1354, either is fine to use, the 1354 has bigger planetary gear set so a little better

Manual transfer cases are not all that hard to find, what IS HARD TO FIND is the shift linkage
So make sure you get that with the transfer case, ALL OF IT

You need the clutch/brake pedal assembly from a 1987 Ranger, not sure what other years are compatible, maybe 1985-1988
And clutch master cylinder with reservoir

Auto hubs would still work manual transfer case, but you can find manual hubs at wrecking yards
Good read here on the parts needed for the hub swap: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec..._hubswap.shtml

There is some wiring changes needed
You have a switch on the automatic with 4 or 5 wires, just above shift linkage, called NSS(neutral safety switch)
You will need to splice 2 or 3 of the wires together so starter motor will work using the key
And you will need to extend 2 of the wires to hook up the Reverse light switch on the manual transmission

Optional wiring is the 4high, 4low lights if you have them
Manual transfer cases often have a 2 wire switch, one connector is grounded to the case when in 4high and the other in 4low, and neither is grounded in 2WD
The 4high and 4low bulbs in the cab both get 12v with key on, they are currently grounded by Electric shift module, as needed, so you can high jack those 2 wires to get 4high and 4low lights working again

 

Thanks Ron! Couple last things, will I need to modify either drive shaft or will what I have be plug and play. Also, i need to get a new computer too, right?

 

Yes, you might need different drive shafts but that's an unknown UNTIL you get the transmission and transfer case
But the drive shafts will be from Rangers so wrecking yard picks

Yes, the CEL(check engine light) will be on once the automatic is removed, and you start up engine the first time, but engine will still run fine, so up to you really
You would need an 1987 2.9l computer from Ranger with manual trans, 2WD or 4x4 doesn't matter