Hey guys,

I'm looking into getting a 3rd gen Ranger, and have some questions about transmission options.
I plan on using this as a parts hauler, light overlanding/camping rig, and an emergency tow vehicle if i need to tow my Miata, and backup Daily Driver if the miata isn't drivable.
I want an automatic trans so I have a car with an auto if I don't feel like shifting, my family and friends can borrow it without having to know stick, and the tow rating for the auto trans is much better than the standard trans from what I've read.
All that being said, the auto trans is the right transmission for its current use case. However, down the line, once I get a more suited dedicated Daily, and a bigger truck for towing, I plan to get more serious about turning the Ranger into a dedicated overlanding build, and might want to look into a manual swap.
How complex is that for a Ranger? For Miatas, its pretty straight forward (replace trans, add clutch line and pedal, swap ECU, and some other tid bits, but that's about it), can I expect about the same for a Ranger? or is it more complicated for any reason?
I also hear wonderful things about the standard transmission from the Mazda B series, is that a direct swap on a manual Ranger?

I'm pretty mechanically inclined, I've replaced the transmission and engine on my Miata on separate occasions in my buddy's driveway, and don't have any problem with taking parts on/off the car, just wanna make sure there wouldn't really be any fabrication work, or expensive/time consuming hiccups I might run into.

Thanks!

 

Yes, its the same swap as described Miata swap
Transmission, computer, clutch/brake pedal assembly
There is also the steering column shifter that needs to be removed, but purely visual, not required

The M5OD-R1(M5R1) 5-speed manual trans was used in Rangers from 1988 thru 2011, and B-series 1994-2010, so same trans
In 2001 all Ranger transmissions, manual or auto, got an OSS sensor added, its a "speed" sensor, that's the only change that really mattered over the years
3rd generation is 1998-2011, 2001 and up Computer needs that OSS sensor, just be aware of that

The M5R1 is engine specific, no detachable bell housing
So an M5R1 from a 3.0l engine can not be bolted to a 4.0l engine or visa versa
M5R1 also came in 2WD version and 4x4 version, conversion is possible but disassembly and new parts are required

Yes, automatics are stronger than manuals at handling torque, which is why the towing weight limits are less with all manuals in any vehicle
Automatics have multiple gears engaged at any one time for the selected ratio, manuals just have the one gear at a time
Just physics, not driver skill, lol

 

Wow, great information! Thank you!
So I guess wherever I heard the good things about the Mazda trans, was the same as the Ford.
So as long as the donor trans is from the same configuration, it'll be straight forward?
The plan is for 4.0 4x4 truck, so any 5speed from a 4.0 4x4 will fit. I'll pay attention to the OSS sensor too.
Thank you so much!

 

Yes, 4.0l bolt pattern(4.0l OHV or 4.0l SOHC doesn't matter), and 4WD tail shaft for transfer case
And OSS if 2001 and up Ranger, can't be added after the fact

 

Yeah, i'm trying to stick to the later years, so as long as i source a trans from a later year, it should be good.
Thank you so much! Just the info i was looking for

 

2001-2003 would be the best years
2004 to 2011 have digital dash(HEC) so hard to swap computers on these years, odometer match up issue, its to prevent "roll back" on cluster swaps
But you can get the the Matched Cluster and computer from a manual trans 2004-2011 Ranger to swap in

2005 Rangers do not have PATS(passive anti-theft system), so one less thing to go wrong, lol
But not really a big deal
2001-2011 have PATS, so you need to get keys with new computer(cluster) or have a mobile locksmith come out to add current keys to new computer/cluster, unless its a 2005

 

how did the manual swap go if you ever did it. i plan on swapping the auto out of my 07 4.0 asap so any tips and tricks you learned would be much appreciated. especially wiring.

 

No I haven’t! I did get a truck in an automatic shortly after writing this post, and it’s suiting my needs quite well. It lurches every once in a while, so it’s likely on its way out, so a manual swap is eventually on the table, but gonna rock the auto until it dies.

good luck!!