can I use a 5spd from a 4cyl in my Explorer?

[eric©]

I've got a sinking feeling that my A4LD in my 91 X is about to take a dump. I took a couple trip in it the other day, and it started shifting funny (kept unlocking the TC, and cycling between 3rd and 4th gears on the freeway). Checked the fluid, was about 1/2 quart low. Filled it, and it was fine for about 100 miles, when it started shifting funny again. Filled it again, and its been fine since (about 200 miles later). I don't see it leaking anywhere, so I'm HOPING its just the rear seal, and its leaking into the transfer case.

Honestly, I'd rather get the trans out of there BEFORE it takes a complete dump on me. I currently have a 1987 Ranger project truck in my back yard, with a 5spd manual trans behind a 4cyl engine. Any chance I can use this trans in my Explorer for a short time until I can the funds together to drop in a T5? I'm assuming I'd have to get a bellhousing from a V6 Ranger or Explorer, and probably a flywheel as well. Will the trans bolt up to the V6 bellhousing? Will I be able to reuse my stock driveshaft, and transfer case?

I know this isn't an ideal situation, but money is tight right now, and I really can't afford a tow home if this thing decides to quit on me 100miles from home. I'm just looking for a cheap stop gap right now to keep me rolling.

 

[Doug904]

The bellhousing on the M5OD 5-speed is made into the case so no it will not work. The bolt pattern on the 4cyl and the 4.0 is completely different.

Later Doug.

 

[Creager]

Swap to the MR51 (MOD5-R1)

im not sure of all of what would need to be done to take place but heres a good reference

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/A4LDto5Speed.html

if you get shopping for a re-man'ed tranny, dont pay for then $800 for a fresh REMANNED one

everywhere i looked wanted $750-900 for a USED one with 130k+ miles on it... then i came accross a remanufactored one for 800 and jumped on it! hah

 

[MrShorty]

A few thoughts
1) Do you know what trans is in your '87 Ranger, TK-5, FM145, or FM146? For the swap you want, an FM146 is reportedly the same size as the A4LD, so it easily swaps in for the A4LD. The other transmissions are either larger or smaller than the A4LD (not sure which), and will likely require some driveshaft adjustment to fit into your Explorer. You will also need the 4.0 L flywheel and clutch kit.
2) From other discussions of this I've seen, many don't feel that any of those three transmission will hold up well to the 4.0. They will physically bolt up to it, but they were each engineered for smaller engines (up to 2.8/2.9 L V6). In switching to a manual transmission, the general concensus is to get the later ('90 up I think) Mazda M5OD as mentioned. Where you already have the transmission, it's up to you if you want to try it and see how long it lasts.
3) You said the problem that has prompted you to ask the question is problems with the TCC clutch and the 3-4 shift. Any other problems? Both of those problems are EEC-IV controlled, and problems with those two transmission functions could be traced to electrical faults outside of the transmission. You might take the time to diagnose it and find out why it's having problems.

 

[eric©]

it appears to be a FM145. Like I said, it would merely be a stop gap measure, just enough to hold me over for about 6 months (at which time I should have the funds together to do a 302/T5 swap).

As for the A4LD problems, I KNOW the problem was related to low fluid. Visual inspection of the dipstick indicated low fluid, and adding fluid to the proper level made the problem go away. However, my concern is that it went thru a full quart in one day (approx 200 miles of driving), then seemed to stabilize. Going to check it again today to see what its like. I don't see any obvious signs of leakage, so my best educated guess is that its dumping out the rear of the trans into the transfer case. It could be just a minor seal replacement, but my luck dictates that this is an early sign of some other major failure that is about to occur I'd prefer to get the trans out of there before it scatters pieces across the freeway 100miles from home.