Which tranny?
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New User
Joined: Jul 2005
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Which tranny?
Decided to just rebuild my '97 Ranger's 2.3L engine and thinking of doing the tranny at the same time. Trouble is (I know this sounds dumb!) how do I find exactly which tranny I have? I called around about rebuild kits etc. today and was asked several times which one I have but I couldn't tell them. Does the VIN give any indication? All I know for sure is it is an automatic trans with Overdrive (has the button on the shift lever). Anyone know which it is?Thanks in advance for the help,
lionsden
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Maine
I can't answer how much trouble, although the fact that that truck was available with a manual should make it easier to find all the parts you'll need. (Pedals, hydraulics, etc.)
The manual trans that would have come in that truck is the Mazda M5OD (Manual 5-speed OverDrive). It has an integral bellhousing, and 2.3 bolt pattern is not shared with either of the other engine choices in the Ranger, so you'll have to find one that was originally behind a 2.3. It's not a great trans, but it works pretty well for this application. I got 221k on mine before the bearing started making noise.
The manual trans that would have come in that truck is the Mazda M5OD (Manual 5-speed OverDrive). It has an integral bellhousing, and 2.3 bolt pattern is not shared with either of the other engine choices in the Ranger, so you'll have to find one that was originally behind a 2.3. It's not a great trans, but it works pretty well for this application. I got 221k on mine before the bearing started making noise.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
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From: West Mansfield, Ohio
The M5OD in my 91 has 315,000 miles+ on it, and it's doing alright.
You will like the manual over the automatic, just because it will make the 2.3 feel like it's got a few more *****.
If you still want to identify your transmission, you can look on the information tag either inside the driver door, and give us the trans code. We should be able to tell you what tranny you have.
You will like the manual over the automatic, just because it will make the 2.3 feel like it's got a few more *****.
If you still want to identify your transmission, you can look on the information tag either inside the driver door, and give us the trans code. We should be able to tell you what tranny you have.
Post Fiend
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From: Connecticut
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Alvin, Texas.
Not saying that the slushbox is perfect--my 2.3L truck has the mazda tranny--but now's the time to save the swap money and put it towards a good chip.
The right chip will up the tranny shift points and put an end to sloppy shifts.
The right chip will up the tranny shift points and put an end to sloppy shifts.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Moneta, VA
Why are you converting to manual? It is quite an involved process these days with all the electronic controls. I beleive the drivetrain wiring harnesses are somewhat different from an auto vs manual truck. Even with a complete parts truck, the swap is going to be anything but easy. Either buy a manual truck, or rebuild your auto.
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Thats what I wanted to know!
Thanks for the advice but I didn't say I WAS going to switch to manual. I wanted to know which one and how much trouble it would be. Sounds like more than I really want to take on right now. I will probably just stay with what is in the truck now rather than doing a lot of extra work. My son will be doing most of the work along with some friends at school. The local vo-tech automotive program loves to tackle those kind of jobs. Gives the boys good experience under very capable supervision. They have done work on our other cars and really do a good job - as good as most professional shops in the area (doesn't say much for the "pros"!). Regarding the chip: are there options for that and if so, which one would be best and why?Thanks for the info,
lionsden
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Denver, Colorado
I bought my '05 with a manual just because I have read all the posts to these forums, and most are pleas for help with bad automatic transmissions. Just look at the front page of this forum. It was a no-brainer for me...