Transmission replacment questions.

[rockettravis]

Hello, I am in desperate need of help here. So thanks for looking.
I am kinda new to transmissions and very new to the ford explorer transmissions. I recently purchased a 91 ford explorer 4.0L 5 speed 4x4 and purchased it knowing it had a bad transmission because the replacement transmission was included with the truck. I never did a mechanical job this big before but decided I was up to the challenge. So I pulled the old transmission out and was getting ready to install the new 5 speed and discovered everything was almost exactly the same EXCEPT the bell housing bolt holes. The ones in the replacement transmission appear to be in a slightly different configuration. This is my only source of transportation at this point and I kinda feel like the only option I have is to buy a whole new transmission and that would really make me go ballistic.

Is there two types of transmissions for the 91 4.0L 5 speed?
Is there a way to make the replacement work?
Any advice on how to proceed?
If i have to, how do I score a cheap transmission?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Carguy3J]

Apparently, there were several manual transmissions used in the '91 Explorer.
A Mazda, a Mitsubishi, and a Toyo-Kogyo. Of course, there were also 2wd and 4wd versions of each (I think).

The important thing here though, is that there is only one engine offered in the '91 Explorer, the 4.0L-OHV V6. Therefor, there is only one bellhousing bolt pattern.

If the "new" trans you are trying to put in doesn't have a matching bellhousing bolt pattern, then you the wrong trans. Period. You should NOT try and drill new holes or anything like that, to "make it work" You may seriously compromise the strength and safety of the bellhousing. You don't want your clutch to come apart and come through the floorboard at 4,000 rpm. It could literally cut your leg off, or worse. Of course, there may be other differences in the trans you have, and the correct one as well, which would make it not "work right".

You should call a local junkyard for another trans. They will have what is called the "Hollander Interchange". This will tell them what parts fit your truck. It's not perfect, but it's usually right; especially on older stuff. I would expect to pay anywhere from $250-$500 for that trans, used. They weren't the most durable to begin with, and the available supply is dwindling as the trucks age.

 

[rockettravis]

Thank you for the reply, I suppose the battle with the previous owner begins.

 

[rockettravis]

Here is the transmission, any idea what its for? out of curiosity?

 

[Carguy3J]

Thank you for the reply, I suppose the battle with the previous owner begins.

While I don't know the laws in Oregon, I'm gonna guess there is nothing to be done. Unless you have something in writing, stating that the vehicle included a replacement transmission which is correct for the vehicle, then I doubt you have any leverage. Generally, private sales are strictly as-is, buyer beware.

As for IDing the trans you did get, look for casting numbers on it, or a tag somewhere. They may be covered in "gunk" Once you find the numbers, the junkyard may be able to help figure out what it is, or maybe even the dealer. You could also try googleing the numbers along with a phrase like Ford transmission or Explorer 5spd or something similar. You could also try posting the numbers you find here, and see if anybody can help.

 

[Jon94]

There's a good chance that trans came out of a Ranger. They use the same transmissions as Explorers, but have several different engine options, almost all of which have different bellhousing patterns. The 3.0 V6 is a different pattern, the older 4 cylinders is a different pattern, and the newer 4 cyls are yet another pattern.

 

[KPSquared]

Take a baseball bat... leave it behind the seat unless he refuses to admit he screwed up...

 

[rockettravis]

All right thanks for the I.D.

I may just do that, I text him and now he wont let me know if he will make it right. I doubt I will ever hear from him again. I love getting scammed its almost as fun as getting hit by a bus.
Thanks guys.