hello, I got a 86 ranger with a bad auto trans,I am gonna swap to a 5 speed,what years will fit? I got alot of the parts but need a trans. it is a 2.3 so I now it has to come out of a 2.3 ranger. thanks

 

you are going to have to change the computer. Timing is different on stick vs auto and you will probably have a sensor or two on the auto you don't have on the stick, so the computer will think something is wrong.



The yoke on the drive shaft might be different but it should fit without modification to the drive shaft itself.


The junk yard ought to have the year model swap info.

 

When i did my auto to manual swap, don't remember having to change the computer. This was on an 86. Had to modify the drive line. and drill out some rivets on the frame and use the manual cross member. Plus, i had to cross up a couple of start wires that went to the automatic. Don't remember what i had to do to the hole in the floor, but i think there's a pre-formed piece that you just cut out for the manual shifter. Consider getting a Hurst shifter for that M. 5 O.D. If you get the shifter, it'll have to be vented. Contact me for more info. on that part. taleenamersaid@yahoo.com

 

thanks guys,that give's me a start,I will try and let you know how
things are working out,any more advice,thanks in advance.

 

There is the need to switch computers. The above post is correct. Swap computers. It just took a while to remember that part of the swap.

 

It would almost be easier[and cheaper] to find an 85-89 that has a bad engine with a good manual transmission. There's a lot of time and effort, not to say dollars, spent doing this kind of swap. You can do it, and will learn a lot, but is the education worth the time in this case? If it were me, I'd want to have two trucks, almost side by side, to be able to get that adapter or bolt without a trip to the yard, auto parts place or hardware store. It is very easy to blow through several weekends on a project like this if you don't have things lined up ahead of time.
tom

 

tomw is telling it like it is although I would remove the 'almost' from his reply. Are you doing this as a HS project or an home affair? It's going to be a drawn out gig any way you look at it. If you are young [I'm not] then I say GO FOR IT. A great learning process, that will last you your whole life!
enjoy!

 

Thank's for the replies guy's..... keep'em coming, I have a lot of experience on the old school stuff which I work on.... just not very familiar with all the new wave vehicles. I'm 44 and my brother is 48 so been around the block a few time's. I would not even consider this swap if the truck I have was not spotless, It was bought new in Knoxville, TN. I got it from my sister in law. I figured the driveability will be so much better with a stick shift trans. Thanks to all that have responded.