Project Micro Machine

[DOPIESLC]

This is what I started with: 1990 B2 Eddie Bauer Edition that has a 4" rough country lift, 2.9l, a4ld, BW1354(electronic), 32" BFG's from 1992, 15x8 Raceline wheels, and stickers everywhere.


Then added some brand new 33" BFG's to replace those horrible old tires. Also took the stickers off.


After bringing it home I found that I had an over heating issue! Big shocker right! Well changed the water pump, radiator, hoses, theremostat, and fixing valve cover leaks, it was running great until this happened

So the tear down started. Front end out and a used dana 35 3rd member with 4.56 gears and lock right installed. Along with extended radius arms with f150 mounts installed. With coil springs retainers bolted in.





Then came the rear axle. I chose to stay 7.5. I picked this axle for $50 and it had 4.10 gears and limited slip installed already. Had to match the front and added 4.56 gears with notched cross pin. Reinstalled into the B2. Key word of advice don't sit under your rig and wack your head against the bumper and knock if off the jack. Lucky for me there were jackstands holding the frame, but did not save my head. After hitting the bumper with my head and falling off the jack, it landed on my head and knocked me out cold for 20 mins. ER trip!



Bought some more goodies for future projects.



Well here is where I am at now. Currently the 2.9, a4ld, and transfercase are taken out. I am
currently attempting a 2001 2.3 duratec and m5od swap from a wrecked ranger.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Glad to see all the pics. It looks like a great start.

Richard

 

[DOPIESLC]

Yeah all pictures The motor swap is going to be interesting.

 

[jhammel85]

It's looking good. THe truck looks like it's still in very good shape for the age!

I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing more on the swap!

 

[DOPIESLC]

Surprising it is in good shape. Planning on repainting this spring. I believe I have all the wiring figured out. But you never know.

 

[DOPIESLC]

Well some update have happened along the way of this build. Decided to use an unrusted body of the wrecked ranger instead of my 24 year body.

 

[racer1044]

Looks like your off to a good start. I think putting a newer 4 cyl is a great idea we have one in our work truck its pretty peppy. What year f150 did those RA brackets come from? And could you snap a few more pics of it.

 

[DOPIESLC]

Ya I can take a few pics of the mounts when I get home today. They were from a 70's F150. Not sure on the year.

 

[racer1044]

Thanks man. They look super easy to mount. I don't want to put a whole lot of effort into radius arm mounts for the ttb not sure how long its gonna stay lol.

 

[DOPIESLC]

Here are some more pictures of the mounts.




And here is my first mig weld experience. Need to turn down the wire speed. But I'm getting it figured out.



Also started the transmission tear down to swap 2wd for 4x4. If anybody wants to know the duratec m5od gears have a smaller I.d. then any m5od does. So looks like I am now on the hunt for a m5od to rob the guts out of to put in mine.

 

[PlumCrazy]

I may have a spare set of gears at the shop. I would send them your way for the cost of a large flat rate box. (like 12 bucks)

 

[DOPIESLC]

Hmm tempting. Question though where could I get everything else? Like needle bearings, syncro assembly, etc? Mainly why I was asking about the difference between the 2.3/2.9/3.0 M5OD and 4.0 M5OD was because its the 1st and 2nd gear that is the problem. Everything else fit perfect except the those 2.

 

[PlumCrazy]

I have all the bearings, or look on Cobratransmission.com

You will need a shim kit and input bearing oil slinger at the minimum anyway. I highly recommend replacing the pocket bearing since it is the number 1 failure point in these trannies.

 

[PlumCrazy]

If/when you get a trans that works..I would be interested in your original Duratec gearset

 

[DOPIESLC]

Alright I will let you know.

Are we still on for the trade back for the shaft and tailhousing I bought from you? They won't work for what I need.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Won't you still need the shaft and ext housing to make a 4x4 trans?

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

 

[racer1044]

Thanks for those pics man. I'm trying to figure out what they came off of because they are perfect for what i need.

 

[DOPIESLC]

Won't you still need the shaft and ext housing to make a 4x4 trans?

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

Not if I get an entire transmission to do the swap. Then I will end up taking everything off from it. But like I said I will check out my options for the swap. Cause if I need countershaft gears also then my best bet would be getting an entire transmission.

 

[DOPIESLC]

Thanks for those pics man. I'm trying to figure out what they came off of because they are perfect for what i need.

I got them from a member on here by the name of Skiboarder. He will be able to tell you exactly what he pulled them off from. All I know is a 1970's 4x4 f150.

 

[DOPIESLC]

I have swapped out the gears and output shaft. If anybody wants to know how to make a duratec m5od 4 wheel drive. All you need is an output shaft and gears from a older M5od. Both sets of gears are the same outer diameter but have a different inner diameter. Counter shaft assembly are the same on both transmissions.

M5od from a 1994 ranger 3.0. scored a transmission that was already rebuilt with new parts.


Out shaft swapped into duratec transmission