2.9 swap?

[19bonestock88]

im in a position where i might be buying another first gen...for parts... all i know is that it's an XLT with the STX package (they made those in a first gen), it's 5 speed (i assume the M5OD) and 4x4... i can assume a V6 (prob a 2.9). so the question is can i swap my 2.0 for the 2.9? lets assume the engine is running and i have the donor truck for parts...

EDIT: remember this is only in theory for now...

[CopyKat]

STX is a sport package. XL exterior with graphics, but XLT interior, with extras.

Trans will be an FM146.

You can easily swap the motor, but the 2.0 trans will not bolt to the 2.9L. You will need to find the 2wd trans with the 2.9L, 2.8 or 4.0L V6 Belhousing pattern.

[19bonestock88]

know anyone with one?

[CopyKat]

not near you!

my M5OD is from a 4.0L and same with the clutch and flywheel

[19bonestock88]

yeah, i almost wanted to edit that post, since i remembered you live in canada... another question, however, what about a m50d from a 3.0? i know they came in a 1992 ranger... are the bellhousing bolt patterns the same between the 2.9 and the 3.0? i was hoping to broaden my search so i could find a tranny from a small v6(2.8,2.9,or 3.0) since the m5od from a 4.0 has a slightly higher 1st and 2nd gear ratio... plus the 3.0 tranny would allow me to broaden my engine choices greatly, and later(years later) my ranger could find under its hood a 3.2 DOHC SHO v6...

[CopyKat]

The 3.0 and 2.3/2.5 have their own bolt pattern, and they are not alike.

More likely to find a 4.0L M5OD. The 1,2,3 isn't a big deal. The 2.9L actually handles it very well, with the 4.0L clutch. And the 4.0L in my Bronco has a 2.9L M5OD and it's much happier with it.

[19bonestock88]

okay, i see... so if it were a 3.0 v6 i was gonna swap in, it would probably fit in without issue due to my 2.0 having the same block as a 2.3 or 2.5...

if i can't find a tranny and end up buying the truck, i'll just use the interior, grille, and other XLT bits and sell the engine, tranny, t case, and other misc stuff...

[CopyKat]

No the 2.5/2.3 is also a different pattern than the 3.0L.

The guts of the M5OD are pretty much the same, save for the ratio difference. The belhousing is part of the trans case so it's not removable like some of the others. That's what makes them so specific.

Swapping the guts and converting them to either 2wd or 4x4 is a matter of tailshaft and housing.

I've done the swap, as the M5OD in the Bronco was a 2wd 2.9L trans.

I've got a 4.0L 2wd M5OD that has blown gears and stuck in 4th.
A 2.3L 2wd M5OD that is good. since I don't have a 4cyl the case is pretty much junk.
A 4.0L 4x4 M5OD with a cracked belhousing. Guts are good.
A 2.9L 4x4 M5OD in the Bronco that I'll be pulling out soon.
And also a spare 4.0L 4x4 M5OD for when any one of them die.

And the 2.9L in the ranger has a 4.0L 2wd M5OD.

Ya I have a few as spares. not willing to give any up though. I helped out a buddy once and gave him a 4.0L 4x4 with a broken tailshaft so he could rebuild his that he blew the gears on. He was suposed to find me one to replace it later, but ended up trading the truck in the cash for clunkers deal. Haven't heard from him in a while. :-(

[19bonestock88]

im sorry about you getting ripped off... i understand now about the engines all having different bellhousings, (why are the 2.9 and 4.0 the same?) so basically if i end up buying the truck and don't find a tranny, i would be looking to sell the drivetrain...

[CopyKat]

The 4.0L is nearly the same as the 2.9L. It is from the same Cologne engine family. The 2.8, 2.9 and 4.0 are all from that family. I believe there is a 2.6 in there too.

The 4.0L has a taller deck height, and sligntly larger cylinder bore. Its a bored and stroked 2.9L.

[19bonestock88]

i wonder where they lost their efficiency... they bored and stroked it for an additional 1.1 liters, yet only gained 30 hp... shoulda gained 50 to 60...lol