hey im new to forums and to trucks. I was wondering if a 98 ranger 3.0l 5 speed trans would bolt into my 90 ranger 2.9l 5 speed? the reverse lockout is giving me problems

 

No, 3.0l has unique bolt pattern
2.9l is compatible with 4.0l they share the same block

 

can i swop bell housing?

 

1991 and up Rangers with 3.0l have the M50D-R1 5-speed manual, which doesn't have removable bell housing, most newer transmissions don't.

Your FM146 trans does, those were last used in '92, last year of the 2.9l in Rangers

 

Ohhh okay ill just have to replace the spring then

 

Yeah either replace the spring or the m50d is a solid upgrade though.