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Old 08-27-2019, 02:26 PM
Tubranger Tubranger is offline
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Default Best transmission?

Hey guys,

I have read many topics over this and I know it's a whole can of worms. But I did a 1988 T-bird swap into my 85 Ranger. I did a few modifications to get some extra HP out of the little 2.3T. Also I swapped out the ol FM145 4x4 for the M50D 4x4. Everything works well and all. . But honestly 1st gear (especially with the turbo, wasn't as prevalent before with the N/a 2.3) is absolutely pointless. Is there any other compatible 4wd transmissions that would feel better driving and won't require too many modifications? I realize these trucks aren't meant to go real fast and transmissions for them aren't built for that. It honestly just doesn't feel right driving it. Feels bogged down by the transmission. Just wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions.


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  #2  
Old 08-29-2019, 12:55 AM
Fx4wannabe01 Fx4wannabe01 is offline
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Default Re: Best transmission?

The best trans would be a M5od. However I will note gear ratio minimally change between engine size. What is common is folks with 4.0's changing the internal gears to ones from a 3.0 or 2.3/2.5. The gearing is deeper meaning more grunt. If what you have is too much grunt, you can minimally swap gears from a 4.0 trans (aka longer gear ratios) into your 2.3/2.5/Lima trans for slightly longer gears. At least that's how I'm interpreting what you've typed out as your issue. Or if bogged down, consider swapping in 4.0 gears...lower ratio gears.

It's all a chasing game with pre-OBD software. Or are you running like a Megasquirt or soemthing??
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Old 09-01-2019, 08:05 AM
dvrich dvrich is offline
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Default Re: Best transmission?

Torqueflite 727
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  #4  
Old 09-03-2019, 06:57 PM
turismolover22 turismolover22 is offline
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Default Re: Best transmission?

Easiest option would be to keep the trans you have, and swap appropriate front/rear end gear ratios.
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