WOW.. I know I'm pushing my luck now....

Several people have talked about the longer wheel base and room for the family in an Exploder.

So when you get done flaming me... maybe answer a few of these!

Would an early 90's Exploder be as good as a BII?

Anyone look into going from the auto to a 5speed in an Exploder?

Any weak point to watch out for?

Any years to look for or to avoid?

Thank again for everyones time!
-TheCompound

P.S. I did search for about an hour before ask this, so give me a little credit...LOL

I would say its a better choice.

4.0L, D35, 31 spline 8.8.

If you can find an explorer with a M1354 Tcase, that would be another plus.

One issue may be weight. Curb weight of a B2 is about 3400 lb, Explorer 4500 lb. More weight needs more power for the same performance, more stress on parts, etc.

A stock 4.0 will motivate an explorer just fine with the right gearing.:rolleyes: That statement wouldn't cause me to change my mind one way or the other.

The BII's are a great build platform. The Ex's are a great build platform. At this point, it is going to be more based on personal preference and availability...

You need to decide what path this truck will take in life...

Once you decide that, start thinking about how to make it happen. What parts are needed, what works with what... Shit like that.

No one will ever agree on which is better. The Ex has more of the parts you are after... I will never say its a better choice though. I like the Bronco II. They can be bought for next to nothing, buy one of each and mix n match til you get what you like.

I think the only real worry that i have is finding an exploder with the 5speed...

Not having a lot of luck finding anything on the auto to 5speed swap.

-TheCompound

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/A4LDto5Speed.html
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/InterchangingTansmissions.html

Depends on what you want.

If you want a super short rig for super tight trails id say build the BII.

If you want more room and more wheelbase for climbing build the Explorer.

M5OD is not that great of a 5 speed. Swapping auto to manual you are basically going from a giant steaming pile of shit to a smaller stale pile of shit that doesnt smell quite as bad and is dried out.

I can tell you the 4liter is no powerhouse but it does pretty damn good at moving an Explorer around with the right gears. Low ride height and fullwidth axles make the Explorer a damn good trail rig. I have no problem getting all 4 tires off the ground.

Ive got a 2 door stretched to 108" wheelbase and its the best of all 3 worlds. Almost the same wheelbase as the 4 door so it climbs like a mofo, yet still nimble for the rockgarden type stuff. Yet bigger interior than the BII so i can seat 4 people and gear.

Depends on what you want.

If you want a super short rig for super tight trails id say build the BII.

If you want more room and more wheelbase for climbing build the Explorer.

M5OD is not that great of a 5 speed. Swapping auto to manual you are basically going from a giant steaming pile of shit to a smaller stale pile of shit that doesnt smell quite as bad and is dried out.

I can tell you the 4liter is no powerhouse but it does pretty damn good at moving an Explorer around with the right gears. Low ride height and fullwidth axles make the Explorer a damn good trail rig. I have no problem getting all 4 tires off the ground.

Ive got a 2 door stretched to 108" wheelbase and its the best of all 3 worlds. Almost the same wheelbase as the 4 door so it climbs like a mofo, yet still nimble for the rockgarden type stuff. Yet bigger interior than the BII so i can seat 4 people and gear.

LOL... well a smaller stale pile is better... maybe theres a different 5speed that would bolt up?
-TheCompound

I have both and the Explorer feels like driving a school bus compaired to the BII.

You will need to have more lift and tire size on the explorer the get the ground clearance compaired to a BII. Everything just hangs the fuck down under the frame everywhere on the sploders... But they do have more interior room.. However.. I'm 6'4" 280 and don't feel like I need more interior room in a BII.

I have both and the Explorer feels like driving a school bus compaired to the BII.

You will need to have more lift and tire size on the explorer the get the ground clearance compaired to a BII. Everything just hangs the fuck down under the frame everywhere on the sploders... But they do have more interior room.. However.. I'm 6'4" 280 and don't feel like I need more interior room in a BII.

The room I'm looking for is for the wife and kids!!
-TheCompound

So heres my thoughts so far.

Early 90's 4door Exploder for about $500.

1) Get it up and running.
2) The auto to 5speed swap if required.

Still need to figure out how much lift suspension + body to get 35's to fit (and trim I'm sure LOL)

From there go have fun, re-gear, sliders, and the list just goes on and on...

-TheCompound

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/

Ever given consideration to a 302/ZF 5-speed swap? The ZF 5-speeds can be found in F-250's and 350's with the 5.8L. Just tossing it out there.

So heres my thoughts so far.

Early 90's 4door Exploder for about $500.

1) Get it up and running.
2) The auto to 5speed swap if required.

Still need to figure out how much lift suspension + body to get 35's to fit (and trim I'm sure LOL)

From there go have fun, re-gear, sliders, and the list just goes on and on...

-TheCompound

Good plan, minus the body lift... I would shoot for 5-6" lift for lite trimming or 3-4" with heavier trimming.

Body lifts are the devil...:barf:

Good plan, minus the body lift... I would shoot for 5-6" lift for lite trimming or 3-4" with heavier trimming.

Body lifts are the devil...:barf:

LOL.. here another newb question...

Why are body lifts so bad?

On my ZJ I have a Rubicon Express Lift but they dont make one for an Exploder, whats the best lift for the Exploder?
-TheCompound

A body lift isn' that bad, you get room for tires, a lot more room to work on things (tranny/t-case removal being the big one), room for doubler in the case of a sploder, keeps you COG down, and it doesn't affect your steering angles (a big part of making TTB handle wel)l. I think 2" BL and 4" suspension would work great, anything over 4-5" on TTB you start to get into custom steering territory. The bad is that it's not as aesthetically pleasing suspension lifts, you need to build bumpers to compensate for it and if you're really thrashing your rig (jumping mainly) it puts more stress on body mounts but if you built your rig to really thrash on you probably wouldn't have a BL anyways, I've still never actually seen a body actually shear off of a frame because of a BL though...

A body lift isn' that bad, you get room for tires, a lot more room to work on things (tranny/t-case removal being the big one), room for doubler in the case of a sploder, keeps you COG down, and it doesn't affect your steering angles (a big part of making TTB handle wel)l. I think 2" BL and 4" suspension would work great, anything over 4-5" on TTB you start to get into custom steering territory. The bad is that it's not as aesthetically pleasing suspension lifts, you need to build bumpers to compensate for it and if you're really thrashing your rig (jumping mainly) it puts more stress on body mounts but if you built your rig to really thrash on you probably wouldn't have a BL anyways, I've still never actually seen a body actually shear off of a frame because of a BL though...

Very good points...

I would still like to run 35's.
-TheCompound

i built a BII thinking i could take the family on rides (or i would have built a truggy)... only to get it built and hear... "you aint gonna get me or my kids in that thing!"... (wife) :p

that is when i said "piss on it" and chopped the top, and changed to rockwells, ect! point is, your outlook may change during the build process... build what YOU want! :smokin:

i built a BII thinking i could take the family on rides (or i would have built a truggy)... only to get it built and hear... "you aint gonna get me or my kids in that thing!"... (wife) :p

that is when i said "piss on it" and chopped the top, and changed to rockwells, ect! point is, your outlook may change during the build process... build what YOU want! :smokin:

LOL... isnt that how it always works out...

-TheCompound

M5OD is not that great of a 5 speed. Swapping auto to manual you are basically going from a giant steaming pile of shit to a smaller stale pile of shit that doesnt smell quite as bad and is dried out.

I wouldn't go that far... The only bad thing really is the tallish 1st gear. It's a durable trans, but you DO have to keep it full of fluid. :rolleyes: Probably 95% or more of M5OD failures are caused by leaky shift rail plugs.
Check out this link:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/shift_rail_plug_maintenance.htm

The A4LD? Now that one I would agree with you on.


As for the Exploder vs. BII, I agree with what many have said already, the BII is just more nimble and light out on the trails (probably the greatest thing is it's turning radius... After driving one for a bit, it'll make a Jeep Wrangler suddenly feel like you're driving a CrewCab Superduty). The Ex on the other hand does have more room in the rear, but the heavier weight and lower clearance. It's a tradeoff between the two of them.

I've found sitting in the rear of a BII is not that bad once you're inside (at least if you're of average stature or smaller)... It's just getting there that sucks (climbing through the smallish doors past the front seats takes some agility).

I wouldn't go that far... The only bad thing really is the tallish 1st gear. It's a durable trans, but you DO have to keep it full of fluid. :rolleyes: Probably 95% or more of M5OD failures are caused by leaky shift rail plugs.
Check out this link:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/shift_rail_plug_maintenance.htm

The A4LD? Now that one I would agree with you on.


As for the Exploder vs. BII, I agree with what many have said already, the BII is just more nimble and light out on the trails (probably the greatest thing is it's turning radius... After driving one for a bit, it'll make a Jeep Wrangler suddenly feel like you're driving a CrewCab Superduty). The Ex on the other hand does have more room in the rear, but the heavier weight and lower clearance. It's a tradeoff between the two of them.

I've found sitting in the rear of a BII is not that bad once you're inside (at least if you're of average stature or smaller)... It's just getting there that sucks (climbing through the smallish doors past the front seats takes some agility).


More food for thought... thank you...

I found an Exploder, but its got more rust than I like for the asking price of $600.

LOL... if anyone see one for about $500 keep me in mind!
-TheCompound

I would do a Bronco myself. I agree as well build what you want! Way to many stories of guys who built their rigs so the family could go and the wife puts her foot down and says no way. Then your right fucked. Do it your way and be happy man. :D

I would do a Bronco myself. I agree as well build what you want! Way to many stories of guys who built their rigs so the family could go and the wife puts her foot down and says no way. Then your right fucked. Do it your way and be happy man. :D

I really think a 4door Exploder is for me...

To everyone that has put up with my questions (some better than others). I say Thanks!!
-TheCompound

P.S. you see a ZJ or (Exploder someday) that has TheCompound on it, come by, say hi. I'll have a few cold beers in the cooler!

I agree an exploder will give you the room for the fam and it has a little better drivetrain in it so you don't have to change everything out right away. Get it running nice and up to par and then start working away at the upgrades you want.

More food for thought... thank you...

I found an Exploder, but its got more rust than I like for the asking price of $600.

LOL... if anyone see one for about $500 keep me in mind!
-TheCompound

where are you from, I know of a few.

where are you from, I know of a few.

Oklahoma is where I call home.

I went and looked at one today... guy pissed me off so much I wanted to punch him in the head.:mad3:

So back to lookin...
-TheCompound

Oklahoma is where I call home.

I went and looked at one today... guy pissed me off so much I wanted to punch him in the head.:mad3:

So back to lookin...
-TheCompound

bummer, puget sound area washington has quite a bit.

bummer, puget sound area washington has quite a bit.

I found another one, its an EB with a blown motor for $350

Try to price a replacement 4.0 as we speak!
-TheCompound

my BII was $700 with the 5 speed and 102k miles. it had some body damage from a snow roll as well as a worn out clutch but the engine is strong and there is NO rust on it :smokin: Plus even with a dovetail and internal cage im thinking i will be able to fit 4 people. Not comfortably...but they'll fit :laughing:

I have both and the Explorer feels like driving a school bus compaired to the BII.

You will need to have more lift and tire size on the explorer the get the ground clearance compaired to a BII. Everything just hangs the fuck down under the frame everywhere on the sploders... .

I don't know where you are getting your information from but it is wrong. Sure the Bronco II is going to have a better breakover angle but the transfer case skidplate on an Explorer is the lowest point on the undercarriage and is a little less than 2" below the frame. With my truck sitting on 35's with 6" of lift I have 19" of ground clearance to the bottom of the skidplate.

Very good points...

I would still like to run 35's.
-TheCompound

On an Explorer all you need to run 35" tires is 6" of suspension lift and a little minor fender trimming in the front.


The 4.0L will haul around a lifted Explorer quite easily. I have 4.10's and an automatic and I've never had any issues going where I want to go. The A4LD can be a weak link but if you upgrade the internals it is solid enough to get the job done.

i have a explorer that has 33's and no lift. very little rub and all you have to trim is plastic and not much at that. it goes great. oh ya it has a 5 speed thou. the bonus is with stock tires it got 15 mpg and with 33's it get 16.5 mpg in town.


scott

I don't know where you are getting your information from but it is wrong. Sure the Bronco II is going to have a better breakover angle but the transfer case skidplate on an Explorer is the lowest point on the undercarriage and is a little less than 2" below the frame. With my truck sitting on 35's with 6" of lift I have 19" of ground clearance to the bottom of the skidplate.

Umm... I own, drive, and work on both...? Did you forget about the gas tank and the rear spring hangars? Have you owned or wheeled a BroncoII?

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b248/totalled/exframe.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b248/totalled/b2frame.jpg

Quite the difference. I've never owned a BII (except for one I turned in 2 days). I've got a 4 door expl. now, and it wheels great. Set up like Paul's. 6" coils, sprung over in the back, remounted rear shocks, long arms.
I was looking into outboarding the rear leaves and getting some ~4" coils for the front just to make cutting the arms easier and get it lower. Sure cleans up the rear looking at the BII.

Maybe an explorer with the basic mods listed above is the cat's meow? It is for me, for now. Lots of room, runs good (I got 16 on the way back from the last wheeling trip, averaged 65mph with 35s and 4.56 gears, auto od) is very comfortable, quiet, etc. And it wheeled hard. Got 10.2 on the wheeling tank of fuel. Lots of full throttle climbs in 1' snow, and lots of flatter driving in DEEP snow. Mine I bought for $400 running with some body damage. 162K on the odo, still runs great and the auto is fine.
Blair

Umm... I own, drive, and work on both...? Did you forget about the gas tank and the rear spring hangars? Have you owned or wheeled a BroncoII?

No I didn't forget the gas tank. Seems to me you have one underneath your Bronco II as well. ;) As far as the rear spring hangers, I've been a couple of places with my Explorer and have never found them to be in the way. Since his questions were about what's the easiest lift to run 35's and your Explorer appears to be stock height (but very clean and rust free :smokin: ) it's not a fair comparision.

All I'm saying, as someone who has wheeled with explorers on the same size tires as me, on the same trail... is that Explorers have more points they get hung up on between the axles than a BroncoII. I wasn't saying the explorer is a bad platform, it just has different negatives than the other.

All I'm saying, as someone who has wheeled with explorers on the same size tires as me, on the same trail... is that Explorers have more points they get hung up on between the axles than a BroncoII. I wasn't saying the explorer is a bad platform, it just has different negatives than the other.

I know what you are saying. All I am saying is that once you get it up off the ground those hangy down things don't really come into play anymore because if you are going to be on something big enough to get hung up on it's will be more than the gas tank or spring hanger holding you back.

Here's a couple of pictures of mine (on 36's a few years ago), they are kinda far away but you can easily see that the low points you mention are pretty much taken care of with the height.

I will say this- the gas tank is a non issue if you've got the factory skidplate. The first time it takes a big hit the tank gets crushed up above the framerails. You loose some fuel capacity, but it pretty much clearances itself. :laughing:

I know what you are saying. All I am saying is that once you get it up off the ground those hangy down things don't really come into play anymore because if you are going to be on something big enough to get hung up on it's will be more than the gas tank or spring hanger holding you back.

I agree with that. The basis for my point (which I failed to articulate :homer: ) is that if you started wheeling it stock or nearly stock, you would be able to do more in a stockish broncoII without having the same issues as you would a stockish explorer. :)

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b248/totalled/ROTM%20submition/eddieontherocks.jpg

Holy pissing match! Way to fawk the guys thread to tears guys!

Anyways, you might want to seriously think about the 5 spd. swap if you find what you want.....here's why...

I have a 91 Ranger that right now is in the process of getting the "been rebuilt 2 times in 2 years" A4LD replaced with an M5ODr1. Sure, the 1st gear is a little tall, and it might leak a little fluid out of the plugs, but honestly....that's about the only issues I've heard of.

The easiest and most cost effective way that I can see to do this is how I did it, and how a lot of other people will tell you as well. Buy an old smashed up 4wd Explorer or 4wd Ranger with the M5ODr1 and pull EVERYTHING you need off of the donor vehicle. Then you can sell the rest of the parts, get some money from scrap, and hopefully make most of your money back. This way, you eliminate having to hunt down stupid little parts that can be a bitch to find....like manual trans. computers, and pedal brackets fro up under the dash, and shift boots, and floor plates, and shifters....if you're worried about that stuff...

I'm gonna warn you, it's a bitch to get the pedals out/in, but when you think about the cost to rebuild that auto. again and all the headaches that go along with it, it isn't so bad.

Just my $.03....

Holy pissing match! Way to fawk the guys thread to tears guys!

Where's the pissing match? It's a discussion with more than one opinion.

Where's the pissing match? It's a discussion with more than one opinion.

Hey its all good, I dig on everyones different point of view!:D

Holy pissing match! Way to fawk the guys thread to tears guys!

Anyways, you might want to seriously think about the 5 spd. swap if you find what you want.....here's why...

I have a 91 Ranger that right now is in the process of getting the "been rebuilt 2 times in 2 years" A4LD replaced with an M5ODr1. Sure, the 1st gear is a little tall, and it might leak a little fluid out of the plugs, but honestly....that's about the only issues I've heard of.

The easiest and most cost effective way that I can see to do this is how I did it, and how a lot of other people will tell you as well. Buy an old smashed up 4wd Explorer or 4wd Ranger with the M5ODr1 and pull EVERYTHING you need off of the donor vehicle. Then you can sell the rest of the parts, get some money from scrap, and hopefully make most of your money back. This way, you eliminate having to hunt down stupid little parts that can be a bitch to find....like manual trans. computers, and pedal brackets fro up under the dash, and shift boots, and floor plates, and shifters....if you're worried about that stuff...

I'm gonna warn you, it's a bitch to get the pedals out/in, but when you think about the cost to rebuild that auto. again and all the headaches that go along with it, it isn't so bad.

Just my $.03....

That kinda what I was thinking!

Now could you tell me which ranger/exploders/ect. That have the 5speed I would be looking for?

The M50Dr1, thats the correct name I believe?

-TheCompound

P.S. I will be picking up an 1991 Exploder for $225 with a blown motor. No rust and super straight!

Welcome to project Tango Uniform !!:smokin:

Now could you tell me which ranger/exploders/ect. That have the 5speed I would be looking for?

Well, don't quote me on this; quote TRS on this....but they say that it came in the following rigs:

1988 & Up 4-Cylinder Rangers
1988-1992 2.9L 2WD Rangers
1991-2000 4.0L Ranger
1991 - Up 3.0L Ranger

Now if it were up to me.....I'd make it easy on myself and say that any Ranger that has a 4.0 from 1991 until 2000, the tranny will work.

Make sure you get the 4x4 version and not the 2wd version.

Here are a couple threads that might be able to help you out with some more information involved with the swap.

My swap (http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11030)

Another swap (http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10123)

Mine is not completed as last fall, I had to quit my job and I went back to school and did not have the money or time to invest in doing anything with this swap. There is still a good deal of information though in that post about what parts to get and whatnot. Even though they don't have an awesome reputation around pirate, you still might also want to sign up and look around over on therangerstation. Their wealth of tech. info. and some of the guys' knowledge over there is just sick! You might also want to check out seriousexplorations.com, broncoII.org, and rrorc.org


The M50Dr1, thats the correct name I believe?

That is the correct name....it's actually pretty easy to remember if u remember...

M= mazda
5= 5 forward gears
OD= this tranny has OVERDRIVE
R1= there is one reverse gear


P.S. I will be picking up an 1991 Exploder for $225 with a blown motor. No rust and super straight!

Does this explorer have a manual tranny or an auto. tranny?

That kinda what I was thinking!

Now could you tell me which ranger/exploders/ect. That have the 5speed I would be looking for?

The M50Dr1, thats the correct name I believe?

-TheCompound

P.S. I will be picking up an 1991 Exploder for $225 with a blown motor. No rust and super straight!

Welcome to project Tango Uniform !!:smokin:
Not bad since the motor is already blown go big or go home time for a V8 lol. Just messing with ya just b/c its what I would doo doesnt mean its the best thing just an option lol.

Yea, for you for now, I'd say fawk the v8 plans.....all that's gonna set you up for is a lifetime of wheeling with a pussiefoot to keep your problematic TTB together...If you don't believe me, just as Bobby Walters. Unless you reeeeaaallly like wrenching on your shit, and learning that TTB inside and out, I would in no way, shape or form reccommmend a v8 for you for now.

I wouldnt go v8 either but that would eliminate the trans problem lol just opens a hole nother can of worms

I had the same idea as you... and have a wife and 3 kids that love to go wheelin'.

I started gathering parts and looking for a 5spd Explorer. I had a 302/ZF/208F, and full width D44/9" ... then I picked up a 5spd Explorer for $200

Brought it home, and ended up saying fuck it, built a 4cyl 4Runner instead, drove the Explorer for 40,000 miles, and sold it for $800 bucks. Just sold the ZF last week, and still have the 302 and 208F.

The 5spd Explorers are not too hard to find... but they are way more common in a 2dr than a 4dr.

For M5OD clarification. It needs to be from a 2.9 or 4.0. All 4.0s had M5ODs and 2.9s from 90+ should have an M5OD. The 2.9 M5OD has a 3.72 1st gear VS the 4.0 M5OD 3.40 1st gear. 2nd and 3rd are also lower in the 2.9 tranny.

Well, don't quote me on this; quote TRS on this....but they say that it came in the following rigs:

1988 & Up 4-Cylinder Rangers
1988-1992 2.9L 2WD Rangers
1991-2000 4.0L Ranger
1991 - Up 3.0L Ranger

Now if it were up to me.....I'd make it easy on myself and say that any Ranger that has a 4.0 from 1991 until 2000, the tranny will work.

Make sure you get the 4x4 version and not the 2wd version.

Here are a couple threads that might be able to help you out with some more information involved with the swap.

My swap (http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11030)

Another swap (http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10123)

Mine is not completed as last fall, I had to quit my job and I went back to school and did not have the money or time to invest in doing anything with this swap. There is still a good deal of information though in that post about what parts to get and whatnot. Even though they don't have an awesome reputation around pirate, you still might also want to sign up and look around over on therangerstation. Their wealth of tech. info. and some of the guys' knowledge over there is just sick! You might also want to check out seriousexplorations.com, broncoII.org, and rrorc.org




That is the correct name....it's actually pretty easy to remember if u remember...

M= mazda
5= 5 forward gears
OD= this tranny has OVERDRIVE
R1= there is one reverse gear




Does this explorer have a manual tranny or an auto. tranny?

Thanks for the information! Anything I can learn from can only help!!!

Its an Auto, for now...:smokin:

-TheCompound

Not bad since the motor is already blown go big or go home time for a V8 lol. Just messing with ya just b/c its what I would doo doesnt mean its the best thing just an option lol.

I have kicked around the V8 302 idea for several days.

But for me, for now I think staying with the 4.0, and the auto to manual swap. Is the route I'm going.

I do like the idea though...
-TheCompound

For M5OD clarification. It needs to be from a 2.9 or 4.0. All 4.0s had M5ODs and 2.9s from 90+ should have an M5OD. The 2.9 M5OD has a 3.72 1st gear VS the 4.0 M5OD 3.40 1st gear. 2nd and 3rd are also lower in the 2.9 tranny.

WOW... Thanks for breaking this down for me!

If I'm understanding what hes saying...

I should look for a 5speed (M5OD) behind a 2.9 90+ Ranger?

Is there any strength issues between the two M5OD (4.0 vs. 2.9) other than 1st gears?

-TheCompound

WOW... Thanks for breaking this down for me!

If I'm understanding what hes saying...

I should look for a 5speed (M5OD) behind a 2.9 90+ Ranger?

Is there any strength issues between the two M5OD (4.0 vs. 2.9) other than 1st gears?

-TheCompound

Yea, either the 2.9 or one from a 4.0. I think the 2.3 liter 4 cylinders had the M5ODr1 as well.

And no, there are no strength differences. And trust me.....3.40:1 and 3.72:1 are so close, you really won't notice much of a difference at all.

Yea, either the 2.9 or one from a 4.0. I think the 2.3 liter 4 cylinders had the M5ODr1 as well.

And no, there are no strength differences. And trust me.....3.40:1 and 3.72:1 are so close, you really won't notice much of a difference at all.


Thanks, well I spent a few hours at the junk yard. i only found two, it was in an 1983 and 1987 Rangers.

I didnt get a pic, but both of those trannys had the shifter unbolted and laying in the seat. Leaving the top internals of the 5speed exposed. Why would someone open up the tranny and then just leave it? Do you think they removed something?
I didn't think getting one that had been opened so stuff could fall in would be a good idea at all.

-TheCompound

P.S. I really thought there would have been more 5speeds there...

Yea, either the 2.9 or one from a 4.0. I think the 2.3 liter 4 cylinders had the M5ODr1 as well.

So did 3.0s, but it must come from a 2.9 or 4.0 because they share the same bellhousing and the 2.3s and 3.0s dont.

Thanks, well I spent a few hours at the junk yard. i only found two, it was in an 1983 and 1987 Rangers.

I didnt get a pic, but both of those trannys had the shifter unbolted and laying in the seat. Leaving the top internals of the 5speed exposed. Why would someone open up the tranny and then just leave it? Do you think they removed something?
I didn't think getting one that had been opened so stuff could fall in would be a good idea at all.

-TheCompound

P.S. I really thought there would have been more 5speeds there...
83 and 87 wont have an M5OD.

So did 3.0s, but it must come from a 2.9 or 4.0 because they share the same bellhousing and the 2.3s and 3.0s dont.


83 and 87 wont have an M5OD.

I didnt think they would, its was just weird finding 2 with the tops left open...:eek:

-TheCompound

So did 3.0s, but it must come from a 2.9 or 4.0 because they share the same bellhousing and the 2.3s and 3.0s dont.

Learn something new everyday....

Learn something new everyday....

I have learned more about Exploders in the last few weeks than I could have ever expected!!

Thanks to everyone who has chipped in!

-TheCompound

P.S. I dont know if anyone look for BII parts or transfer cases for Exploders, but there where at TON at the local Junk Yard here in OKC!