I have a 90 Ranger 5sp 2.9 with 148K Miles. Purchased it new and it is in great shape (leaks a little oil, big suprise). I'm tired of shifting and wonder about converting it to an automatic. A floor selector would be OK with me. Has anyone done this? I did not find any threads referring to this type of swap.

 

Well before you get flamed for not wanting the 5sp any more......

Rangers of your year did come with an auto in different configurations. I would think a trip to the boneyard to get the trans and maybe the crossmember would get you what you want. Just make sure the bell housing fits a 2.9L. I think your engine has the starter on the driver's side vs. the 2.3L like I have that is on the passengers side.

 

Yep, I knew I would get grief for wanting an automatic. I've been shifting this thing for 148K and was giving this some thought. You're right, the starter is on the drivers side. I suppose a drive shaft might also be required. I doubt if the auto length is the same as the manual. Sounds like more work than its worth, especially since I will need to find a floor mounted slector an make that look right. Thanks for the reply.

 

I'll trade you tranny's strait up. I'll even give you my gear selector!

 

G2IC_Wraith was correct; everyone has beaten me up for even considering this swap. I would still give it a try if I didn't need it as my daily driver. However, for now I guess I’m keeping the 5sp. If I consider this again I’ll have to do it in secret!

 

Sorry man..... I was just trying to give you a heads up before it happened.

I would say I have a couple of suggestions though:

1) If you can adjust your schedule, there can be a big difference in traffic if you can go in 1 hr earlier. I live in the Metro-DC area, and 15-30min one way or the other can make a huge difference.

2) If you talk to anyone else about this swap just say that your wife/girlfriend has to drive the truck and she can't deal with the 5sp. The only response you will get is "Ahhh, OK." Sorry ladies, but it is widly accepted that a girl driving the truck is valid reason to swap. Yes, my wife is going smack me for mis-behaving again.

 

As a matter of fact my wife hates to drive "my" truck because of the 5sp. That may be the best reason yet to KEEP it!

 

That one of the reasones I did the auto to manual swap.Wife cant drive a 5 speed..HEHE!!Now she has to keep gas in her X she,cant burn mine up anymore.God I LOVE my 5 speed