Automatic to manual conversion? Worth while?

[Spiritwolf15x]

Hello everyone, I have a basically stock '94 Explorer XLT, 4x4. It currently has the ford 4-speed automatic transmission and while it does it's job as well as can be expected, I'm starting to miss being in control of the gears.

I have a '93 Ranger with the same engine and a 5-speed manual I'm debating cannibalizing. Does anyone have any tips or advice? Is it "drive way" doable?

Thanks,

Wolf

 

[Burns]

DO IT!!!!

That is exactly how my 91 got its 5speed.


I would get everything in line and then make the swap. Then sell the auto if its in good shape.

 

[Spiritwolf15x]

Is there major cutting and wrenching involved or is it pretty straight forward?

 

[hondakillah]

It's pretty straight forward. Take one transmission out, put another one in with some slight modifications. I'm almost done with my swap - I've been taking my time. The most difficult thing I'm looking at doing is the wiring part, and that's only 'cus I have a Limited, where-as everyone else says you can just plug in the clutch position sensor into the existing loom.

Here's a really helpful thread to walk you through it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=293846

 

[Glen4X4]

It's definitely worth while since you have the donor right there and if you have the time to do it.

 

[Burns]

I agree with these guys. The hardest part is wiring it all in.

 

[Xeek]

its either this or a hybrid al4d(to make it stronger). whoever can build me one, or whoever can install a m50d swap on my truck for me will get a cookie

 

[Pollarican]

Go for the 5 speed - if its the wiring that's scaring you, it is actually pretty straightforward. There is a small section of the wiring harness (trans wiring) that can be unplugged and swapped out for the manual harness.

I did this swap a couple years back without ever pulling a trans before and it worked perfect - no CEL or poor running conditions. There are a couple great threads on here that I referenced to help me with my first swap - a couple searches should give you a solid parts list and idea of what you're getting into. PM me if you have any questions.

 

[gmanpaint]

It's definitely worth while since you have the donor right there and if you have the time to do it.

X2!

 

[mr cribb]

Foxracin (his I'd on here) has done this exact swap.... His truck looks factory like mine. He did a write up on here.

DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!