As you may or may not know, i'm in the process of putting a early ranger 5 speed in my pinto. Made some discoveries today, and most of them are good.
The 4 speed 2.0 bellhousing fits perfectly over the circular "hump" on the input shaft of the ranger tranny, but the bolt holes don't line up. This can be overcome by drilling 4 holes in the bellhousing and using the trannys front cover bolt holes for the bellhousing.
The ranger trans is barely a 16th of an inch taller than the pinto 4 speed. The output shaft also has the same spline count. This means the pinto driveshaft will work without any modifications.
The 2.0 clutch disk has the same spine count as the ranger trans, so a 2.0 clutch will work.
For the problems:
The shifter will be further forward than the 4 speed's. This will probably be able to be corrected with some bracketry, but I won't be able to tell unti'l I can test fit it in the car.
There is nothing over the input shaft for the throwout bearing to ride on. This can probably be fixed pretty easily.
Stock trans crossmember will have to be modified, but thats no biggie.
So, thats about it. If everything works according to plan this will be a very good swap. These trannys can be found for $20 at junkyards and theres no shortage of them and you don't have to worry with rigging a hydralic clutch, making a 2.3 bellhousing fit your engine, custom driveshafts, etc...
I will post updates when they come along.
-Harry
What kind of tranny in the Ranger? Is it a T-5?
Would be interested in seeing some pics of the final install.
Al :o
the 5 speed i'm working with is a first generation 2wd trans that was in the 83-87 rangers. Its known as the "toyo kogyo" 5 speed. It was produced by mazda. The main reason I'm messing with it is because I had it in the garage. They were all a hydraulic clutch setup. They're pretty good trannys and will handle mild abuse (stock 2.0's, 2.3's 2.8s and stock turbo 2.3's) but much after a stock turbo 2.3 and she may have problems.
As stated above the main reason I'm messing with this is because I already had it and so far I haven't hit a brick wall.
I'll let you know how things turn out.
-Harry
Really check that clutch spline carefully. I swaped a Mazda 4 speed and also thought the clutch splines were the same until I let the clutch out and the trans made a loud whine. It's been too many years to remember the exact difference but I did have to get the Mazda clutch disc in order for it to work. I think you'll find a very low first gear also so be prepared to tow your buddys Chevy if needed. Mine was too low using 5:13 gears, when I lauched, I counted to 2 then shifted.
Is this the same tranie as used in the Mazda rotary pick-ups? The rotary tranie was too pretty to hide under a car. It also had a removeable side plate and the bell hsg was a seprate item. A real work of art if you ever see one. Only problem was like all rotary tranies, the 3rd gear synco was week. Thanks, DICK
This was removed from a Ford Courier with a 2.3, trans had a split right down the middle to disasemble it. It also mounted the starter on the other side and used a hydralic clutch and the tail shaft spline was way off from the American fords.
Just wondering if this project was ever completed, i have the same transmission and was looking into puting it in my 78 hatchback.