The best manual trany

[rocklaurence]

Ive done a Search under Manual and Trany w/o much luck. I have a 93 X with the A4LD and I'm familar with its problems. However, when the time comes to replace the trans I dont want to dump another 2Gs into it. I'm considering installing a manual from a salvaged X. Through the years, what different transmissions were used and which one is the most rugged? Since the manuals dont have electronic upgrades through the years, Im assuming that all the manuals can be installed in an OHV 93 Explorer. Is this true and how do the trans hold up? Is there problems with week parts etc? :roll:

 

[CodePoet]

The only manual i've heard of that can mount to our 4.0's is the m5od-r1, and a mitsubishi tranny...but I don't know of anyone with one of those. Most likely you'll find the m5od-r1 in a junk yard, i also beleive they came in rangers but not 100% postive. If you wanted though you could also mount a c5 in your explorer, here's a link that'll tell you more around that http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90282&highlight=a4ld+swap

as that's not really what your asking though, here's a link to what you specifically asked for here's a link that'll get you started...seems to have a good amount of info:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104437&highlight=m5od-r1+tranny+swap

Bones has really good info, i didn't know that there was an m5od-r1HD...might want to look for one of those.

BTW. I have blown up an m5od-r1, so has Doug and a few other people...granted I've never heard as many horror stories about the manual as I have the auto.

GOOD LUCK
CP

 

[Jason94sport]

The 5 speed in the sport I had blew at 73K miles.

 

[rocklaurence]

Thanks CP, the thread has a lot of good info. However, it seems to be a lot of work. For that kind of time and effort, I may stay with the Auto---Jeeez!

 

[Charlie's_93EB]

Thanks CP, the thread has a lot of good info. However, it seems to be a lot of work. For that kind of time and effort, I may stay with the Auto---Jeeez!

i asked my macanic what is would run to swap in a manual, he said it would be cheaper just to buy a nother EX

 

[Jason94sport]

Well if your auto tranny is shot. It's not much more $$ to swap a 5 speed. There are no computers for the tranny so it's not that hard:
5 speed tranny
shift linkage
shifter
clutch lines
reservor
clutch pedal
tranny mount
top steering cover
Piece that goes to the end of the tranny on 4x4 models
ECU for a manual of that year
manual version engine flywheel
That's off the top of my head. Might be a few small details I'm leaving out, if you get a junker 5 speed X & just use those parts, & get a new 5 speed tranny(which are cheaper then an auto) You'd be set. If I have the $$ when my auto goes I'm going to try to convert mine.

 

[rocklaurence]

After reading the Thread above, I believe that by using a simular year donor and new trans it wouldnt be that involved. I know that 93's are selling for $1.5-2.5G's and then I could salvage the rest of the donor after the conversion. So, the plan would be: 91-94 manual donor + a late model M5HD-trash the remaining donor for $$= Heavily modified 93 4X4 and manual trany for CHEAP!----maybe

 

[Brock94]

I saw a '93 manual 4-DR explorer listed on Ebay (I think the title of the listing is "Explorer Manual")-- the buy it now price was $2,000 and it looked like it was in good shape-- it's in Texas-- maybe you should take a look.

 

[F14CRAZY]

After reading the Thread above, I believe that by using a simular year donor and new trans it wouldnt be that involved. I know that 93's are selling for $1.5-2.5G's and then I could salvage the rest of the donor after the conversion. So, the plan would be: 91-94 manual donor + a late model M5HD-trash the remaining donor for $$= Heavily modified 93 4X4 and manual trany for CHEAP!----maybe

Try to get into or get a buddy in an wholesale auto auction. It doesn't matter how crusty and rusty it is really, since you just need heavy parts. You can probably find a 4 door stick for $500. I got mine as a trade in at a used car lot for $300. No rust, runs great. Check the pix and my signature...

 

[blueagletalon]

my buddy is selling one all it needs is a slve unit. i can find out a price for ya. the trany is new

 

[briwayjones]

All of you guys that have had manual trannys go bad on you, are you towing with them or something? It sounds like a ton of people on this forum have them go bad. My family and I have had 5 manual tranny Explorers 3 of which have over 100,000 miles, one up around 150,000 and the other one about 130,000. All of them have their original trannys with no problems and also original clutches.

 

[alexefron]

Ive got a manual. 154,000 miles. had to replace the clutch once, and no other problems

 

[F14CRAZY]

Overdrive is broke on mine. I've had it for a few months and bought it that way. It has a U haul hitch, indicating some towing was done and the oil in it was pretty discolored and gritty.

 

[briwayjones]

Yeah you should never tow in overdrive with maual Xs. They are just not set up for towing, a large part of it being the crappy tranmissions in them.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Agreed. Now I have to use 4th ALL the time. RPM are about 3000 at 70mph. These M5ODs must have sucked in F150s! With my dad's stick F250 diesel we use overdrive a lot. If it doesn't stall, it'll tow it

Nice thing about sticks; less bad feelings when you tow or floor it all the time.