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Differences in Transmissions

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Old Jul 26, 2006 | 08:54 PM
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Differences in Transmissions

Hey guys, I will be swapping out my 3.0L 5-speed on August 7th but have an issue.
The 3.0L transmission won't bolt up to the 4.0L block. The 4.0L is coming out of a 91 Ford Explorer and it's 4x4. Apparently the transmission for the 4x4 is shorter than the 2x4 transmission with the transfer case removed. Anyways, I'm wondering what some options would be shy of me buying a new 4.0L 4x2 transmission or getting a longer driveshaft?
 
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Old Jul 26, 2006 | 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by RangerRaider
Apparently the transmission for the 4x4 is shorter than the 2x4 transmission with the transfer case removed.
You sure about that? I think a particular tranny will be the same physical size regardless of whether the truck is 2WD or 4WD.

The 3.0L and 4.0L Rangers come with different auto trannies. The 4.0L is a heavier duty model.

The bottom line is what you said, a 4.0L block won't bolt up to a 3.0L tranny. So you're gonna need a 4.0L tranny in any case.

What year 4.0L computer are you going to use? It matters regarding the tranny.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 12:07 AM
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Well what is the difference between the 4x4 tranny that is in the Explorer minus it needing a tail-shaft?
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 12:45 AM
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The 4.0L tranny in the Exploder is the same one as the 4.0L tranny in the Ranger.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 08:12 AM
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Just get the drive shaft lengthened, sounds like the easiest solution, then you can use the exploder tranny, you said it also needs the tail shaft as well. That why it's shorter in the 4x4 version, the tranny bolts to the t-case without the tail shaft. Just convert it over to a 4x4 while your going to this much trouble ha ha.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 08:29 AM
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The transmission body is the same length on both 2wd and 4wd, one is simply equipped with a tail housing, one with a transfer case. But as you know the Vulcan 3.0l and the Cologne 4.0l are different block families, and have completely different bellhousing bolt patterns. I don't see where you have much choice but to search out a transmission from a Cologne series, since the bellhousing is part of the trans body on an M5OD. The M5 was used on 2.9l's dating back to '88, but you have to be careful to make sure you get an M5 and not a Mitsubishi FM146. Or are you considering swapping to automatic while you're swapping? That being the case, you'll need a whole lot more than just a driveshaft change!
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 08:39 AM
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Hey Smitty, why is the 3.0 called a vulcun ? I know the 4.0 comes from Cologne Germany, but was wondering about the 3.0's origins.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 08:53 AM
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The plant Vulcun from startrek
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 09:05 AM
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You got me!?! I just know that's the given name. To be completely honest I didn't know why the Cologne series was named as it is. Same story as the Lima series then, interesting...
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 09:09 AM
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Thanks Alen, as slow as they are, I thought maybe they came from the planet dodge........ whoooo burn !
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 11:17 AM
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Cologne series engine is made in Cologne, Germany.

No idea on the Vulcan though...just the name for the engine family.

No matter what tranny, auto or manual, that you get, get one from a 4.0L. The ones from the 2.9Ls use weaker internals.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by wendell borror
Hey Smitty, why is the 3.0 called a vulcun ? I know the 4.0 comes from Cologne Germany, but was wondering about the 3.0's origins.
Not sure, but it could come from Roman mythology. Vulcan was the god of fire and ironworking. He made arms and such. The 3.0 is all cast iron. It is made at the Lima plant by the way. jd
 
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Old Jul 27, 2006 | 12:33 PM
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Ok well I've figured it out.. Both the 4x4 and 4x2 trannies are the same except for the tail shaft as mentioned above.. The tailshafts are removable, so I am going to simply get a 4x2 tailshaft and bolt it on and my problem will be solved.. Thanks for the info guys!
 
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