FredDoug
New member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2023
- Messages
- 19
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 3
- Location
- Utah
- Vehicle Year
- 1990
- Vehicle
- Ford Bronco II
- Suspension Style
- 4wd
I was driving my manual 1990 Bronco II (2.9L, FM146) this last week and I was stopped in traffic. When I went to go (clutch in, shift to first, do the thing) it lurched forward and the engine shut off as if I had tried to engage too quickly. Started the engine back up just fine, but now it wouldn't even attempt to engage any gear.
After safely getting off the road and doing some research, I tested the following few things which makes me believe it's the clutch:
Another question, I saw that it's possible that the larger 10" clutch from the first gen explorer fits these transmissions so I thought I'd do that. Is there anything extra I need other than an explorer starter? Has anyone on here done this?
Finally, I do have a first gen explorer sitting around but it doesn't run quite right as I explain in the form linked here. It has the M5OD which I've seen in a few posts might be slightly more reliable than the FM146. Is it worth it to swap over? Or even look for another M5OD from the junkyard instead of replacing the clutch on the FM146?
After safely getting off the road and doing some research, I tested the following few things which makes me believe it's the clutch:
- With the engine off, I can push the shifter into all the gears without pressing in the clutch.
- With the engine on, I can press in the clutch, shift to any gear, and release the clutch without killing the engine. Yes, I can put it in 5th/overdrive and release the clutch and it stays running, there is a difference in noise as if something is slightly engaging but not much.
Another question, I saw that it's possible that the larger 10" clutch from the first gen explorer fits these transmissions so I thought I'd do that. Is there anything extra I need other than an explorer starter? Has anyone on here done this?
Finally, I do have a first gen explorer sitting around but it doesn't run quite right as I explain in the form linked here. It has the M5OD which I've seen in a few posts might be slightly more reliable than the FM146. Is it worth it to swap over? Or even look for another M5OD from the junkyard instead of replacing the clutch on the FM146?