Out of curiosity, why can't the R-2 be used in place of the R-1? I was under the impression that they're basically the same tranny, both M50D's. I was hoping that I could use the stouter transmission if (when) I need to replace my M5ODR1.

I talked to a guy in CA not long ago who replaced his 3.0 Ranger M5ODR1 HD with an M5ODR2. The only problem they had was the need to also replace the starter because the old one didn't mount the same as the R2 starter. Instead of replacing the starter, they swapped the innards of the R2 into the R1 case. I guess the labor was free...

CJB