I have a 87 Ranger 4x4 2.9l, with the Mitsubishi Transmission 5Spd Manual in it. I bought the truck from a friend of mine and he said that when he owned it, he replaced/rebulit the transmission twice. Since I have owned I have already replaced the transmission once (to fix mine would have cost $800, I bought a whole truck for $250). I've already lined up another replacement. Are those tranmissions that weak?
What I would like to know is if there is another transmission alternative out there that can be put in the truck? I have heard that some of the trucks came with a Mazda Transmission, but is it worth it? Is there another alternative out there? I mean I'd love to put a T5 in it, but does someone already make the necessary adapters to do it?

My plans for the truck are to relegate it to a weekender once i get a second vehicle. I will use it for light 4wheeling, but mostly to get me from point A to point B.

Hey there! Sorry no one got back to you sooner, but there is not too many ford boys here. I dont make it on often either.

Well to answer your question, yes the FM145/146 is a weak tranny but they will last forever if taken care of and not abused. The Mazda M5OD-R1 is a much stronger tranny and came in '89 and up rangers, '91 and up explorers, some '90 b2s, and behind all 4.0s, and some 2.9s. Its practically a bolt in, with some minor changes like crossmember adjustment and such. You might want to check out http://www.therangerstation.com for more info on it.

Has anyone done the T5 swap on these trucks?

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/T5for29.html

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15806&hl=t5+swap

Theres more bits in pieces in these threads here:

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?act=Se...ics&highlite=t5+swap


It has been done several times, but it is a bit of work. In my opinion, if you dont have some beefed up 4.0l, a M5ODR1 will handle anything a 2.9 can put out, and its a bolt in. I have a '90 ranger supercab with a 2.9L and 35s and an M5OD and it hasent complained at all.