I purchased a 1990 Ranger 4x4 with a v6 from auction----took it to local shop to have them check it for me. Found out that it has a 3.0 in it and mechanice believes it is from a taurus. Truck actually runs extremely well. Has a few codes due to the ECM is for an automatic trans. Now the problem---i was on the highway-in 5th gear---bam! terrible noise the nothing---when i got it pulled over-the drive shaft was hanging from the rear end--it had been twisted like a straw.The transmission side had the yoke only, and the tail housing was cracked. It rolls and the drive shaft at the rear end turns ---i figured the trans locked up---PROBLEM dont know what trans to look for---is a 90 2.9 5 speed the same on a 3.0 ?? HELP

 

look at the trans code on the drivers door and google it

 

I can do that--not sure where it will take me. That is just a number imo and will tell me what was there from factory---this is an altered truck at this point---and i need to know if 2.9 and 3.0 have same bolt pattern---thanks

 

They do not have the same bolt patterns.

 

Thanks Mark.. I figured i need a 5 speed from a Ranger that has a 3.0 but wasnt sure---Now to determine what year the 3.0 came out in the Ranger--been told 92 -but cant find info on that --also was told 90 was the last year for the 2.9----

 

I once had a '92 Ranger 3.0L 5 speed.

 

You still haven't proved it was the transmissions fault. A u-joint could have just let go and done that kind of damage. Still need to address the cracked tail housing but I would still prove the trans is bad before replacing it.