M5OD-R1HD 1-3 Gear Swap Question

[icthusrulz]

I've read that the lower 1-3 gears from a M5OD-R1 2.3L/2.5L/3.0L Ranger can be installed in the M5OD-R1 for the 4.0L OHV. Can these also be installed into the M5OD-R1HD for the 4.0L SOHC?

Also, what are the different years for different synchro setups on these? I seem to remember reading that there have been a few synchro variations in the M5OD-R1.

I have an '02 Sport Trac with the M5OD-R1HD and have an opportunity to pick up a donor transmission from a '97 3.0L Ranger for cheap, and I'd like the lower gears.

 

[icthusrulz]

Anyone done this before?

 

[dextroyer]

Why Regear Your Axles When You Can Regear Your Tranny?

 

[icthusrulz]

I’d seen that be for, but that article indicated that the R1 and R2 gear sets were interchangeable, which made me question their fact checking.

I know that same source has published inaccurate information on our drive trains in the past.