A friend of mine just picked up an 83 ranger 2.0 4 speed single cab 2wd. Frame and body are in excellent shape. Engine runs but not very well and is smoking bad. He wants to put either a 302 or 351W in it, which ever he finds a good deal on. Probably would be carbureted as that is what we know best. The main question is what transmission would you recommend? He would like to keep it a manual but would like to have a 5 speed.

If we have to massage the firewall, that would't be a problem. Driveshaft and springs we already have a plan for. I only know chevy crap (from racing) when it comes to that because there is only about 4 types of manuals.

Ford had to make it complicated. Any suggestions? Would a 5 speed from a fox body mustang work? (I may have a lead on one of those)

Thanks!

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1998 ranger extended cab, 2wd, 4.0 ohv, 5 speed, sony xploid 52 4 way watt radio, 2 pair of pioneer 240 watt speakers, Cobra 29 LX LCD CB radio pushing 100 watts, k&n air filter, 15 inch exploder wheels, dual exhaust with 4 inch stainless tips, 2 12 inch subs with a 1000 watt amp just for the hell of it!

new project: dirt track modified racing at the local saturday night track.

you'll be massaging the firewall and radiator supports with a 351w, though it would be pretty dang cool!
there's 2 different T5s, the one form the mustangs and the one in the half ton trucks. both of those bolt up to any 3.2.

i'm interested in this as well. i'm actually on the fence about waiting for a 5 speed or just going with the 4r70w or whatever they were using in the 90s expos ans stuff

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
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