Like I said, I'm a proud new owner of a great 1999 ford ranger xlt extended cab 4x2 and it is a 3.0 liter with an auto tranny 4r44e that is having some issues. I bought the truck at a great price due to the transmisson problems even though I was looking for a manual shift 2.4l. I don't want to put lots of money into it. I can get a reman manual transmisson for 400 from someone and I am currently researching the additional parts I'll need. If anybody has done a manual to auto tranny swap please help me out to make this as least of a headache as possible. I have visited a pull-a-part salvage yard and have encountered a few rangers with the pedal assembly and master cylinder and shifter still available. Would y'all recommend me snatching those up or going to a truck getting parted out on craigslist? Also, I hear I might end a new drive shaft, is this true? Any threads that you can point me towards would be so much appreciated.

 

You will need a few things, yes the pedal assembly and clutch master cylinder and reservoir with hose(quick disconnect on it's end)
Yes you will need a different drive shaft length on 2WD swap, but not on 4x4 swap
Remove old column shifter, not sure if you have to swap out the whole column.
Remove carpet and install shifter plate, cut carpet to fit.

An M5OD-R1 manual trans from a 2WD with 3.0l engine, must be from 3.0l as it has unique bell housing bolt pattern.
2WD part can be optional because you can buy 2WD tail shaft and housing, but it would be an added expense.
Also the Flywheel for the 3.0l.

And you need the computer from 2WD with 3.0l and manual trans Ranger, your current computer is hooked up to the automatic so it shifts correctly, without that hook up the CEL(check engine light) will be on all the time.

Wiring should be OK as is but you will need to modify the Reverse Lights wire harness and Neutral Safety switch wiring.

But the BIG THING, is the PATS(passive anti-theft system)
'99 Ranger will have Type B PATS, so it will have a separate PATS module located above the glove box, when you insert the PATS key in the ignition the "wand" around the cylinder reads the keys unique ID and sends it to the PATS module, the module has a list of the 3 or 4 keys added to it at the factory, if the key in ignition matches one of those then PATS module sends an "OK" message to Computer, only then will computer start fuel pump and fuel injectors.
PATS module and computer are "married" at the factory, a Ford Dealer can remarry a new computer or new module, but they do charge for that service, and you would need to tow the vehicle to the dealer as the new computer must be in place to remarry it.

If you don't have to pass emissions so CEL light is not an issue then I would be tempted to just keep the same computer, lol.

'96-'98 Ranger computers don't need PATS "approval" but Ford change fuel system and CPS(cam position sensors) in '98-'99 not sure on the 3.0l, so going older would eliminate need for PATS, but you may need to get new CPS(3 wire instead of 2 wire) and resized fuel injectors(not sure on this one)


Swapping in a used or rebuilt 4r44e and then selling this Ranger and getting one with a manual trans, IMO, would be a better plan


Found a similar swap here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/projec...tarted-139850/

 

Welcome to R-F! Looks like Ron has you covered

 

Wow thank you so much Ron. I was aware of everything except that BIG THING. Now I'm seriously questioning the swap. So just to be clear, the PATs system will require me to tow my car to the ford dealership. Is that the biggest hurdle with the PATS system? Also, is it mandatory for me to change the computer in my car if I don't care about a CEL?

 

Correct, you can use the same computer if you don't care about the CEL, and don't have to pass inspections that require no CEL, i.e. emissions testing/inspection.

The PATS module and Computer are "married" and only a Ford Dealer with an active subscription to Ford Data base can "remarry" if module or computer needs to be swapped.
This prevents thieves from just swapping in a new computer.

BUT(big but) if you can locate a manual trans computer AND it's PATS module then you can swap them both, they are already a "married" pair.
Your current PATS keys won't work because their IDs are not in the new modules memory, but most locksmiths now have laptops and software that can add keys to PATS system, so they just add your current keys and any new ones you may want.
Mobile locksmith is way cheaper than Ford Dealer, who is also NOT mobile, lol.

If you have 2 working PATS keys you can add a 3rd or 4th yourself, so it is always a good idea to have at least 3 working PATS keys, if you lose 1 then you can add a 3rd again to replace it.

 

So, theoretically i could just swap the transmission, drive shaft, install the pedals, clutch master/slave cyl w/ res., flywheel and it will be "work"?

Then at a later date when I can find a computer married to a PATS i can deal with that at a later date?


Also, do i need a new wiring harness for a manual? or is that just when i replace the computer?

 

Well, yes and no.

The automatic uses an NSS(neutral safety switch) it is just above the shifter on the trans.
It is a "push in" switch that sits on a cam in the trans, when trans is in Park or Neutral switch connects key with starter relay so starter can crank when you turn the key to start.
When you shift into Reverse switch connects Reverse Lights to power.
So it serves two purposes.

Manual trans has Reverse switch only(some did have Neutral switches on top of trans, that was for 4x4 use, and not common)

And they have a Clutch switch on the clutch pedal push rod, clutch pedal has to be pushed in all the way to Close this switch, and that would allow power to pass from key to starter relay.

Clutch pedal switch and NSS are there to prevent starting in gear, and also shifting into 4 Low on 4x4s.

You can hook NSS starter wires together to bypass switch, and you would need to hook up reverse wires to manual trans switch.
Pink wire is from Key switch, Tan/red stripe wire goes to starter relay, you would hook those together.
Ford usually put in a Jumper under the dash on Automatics, that was for Clutch pedal switch, so you can remove the jumper and plug in the clutch switch if you get one.


Violet/orange stripe wire is power for reverse lights
Black/pink strip wire is out to reverse lights
These would be hooked to manual trans reverse switch

 

Ron, i have one concern.. the link you provided me to pearlkid9988 manual transmission swap.. he had to get a tune to delete the auto components from the computer. He mentioned that he had to keep the ECU the same because the VIN had to match to pass emissions. Is this true or can i do what you said and get the ECU and PATS from a manual truck and avoid that problem?

 

VIN has vehicle information, example here: The Ford Truck 17-Digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Decoder

It doesn't specify transmission type, but does have an engine code.

The drivers door sticker(back edge of door) does have transmission code.

You would have to check with local standards on what they allow as far as changes.
Swapping from auto to manual shouldn't be an issue.

You for sure can change/program the computer and swap PATS module, as long as new computer keeps engine in tune enough to pass emissions test, lol.

One thing inspection stations test now is when computer was last reset, I think it has to have been reset not less than a week before inspection, this prevents people resetting to clear a CEL in order to pass inspection.

Swapping to manual will cut your "legal" towing weight by close to 50%, it's a "driver" thing, legal limits are set by the newest first time driver towing something for the first time, "they" figure you can F'up less with an automatic, lol.

 

Ill be moving to Florida by the time my birthday comes along and they abolished the emissions inspection anyways. I am meeting a guy who salvages rangers tomorrow. He told me he has EVERYTHING i need to do a manual swap for $550. Sound to me like too good of a deal to turn down. Is there any hardware such as bearings, master/slave cylinder or anything that you would recommend I buy New due to it being a high wear part?

Also, does having a manual actually decrease any towing capacity or just the "legal" towing capacity?

 

Legal towing capacity.

Ranger slaves cylinders are in the bell housing, and are are known to fail early.
So always get a new slave, it comes with throw out bearing.

You need a new pilot bearing for flywheel.
Clutch disc and pressure plate are your call

Get "self-adjusting" pressure plate if you get new

 

So, last night I took the auto tranny off. I have many tips to anyone who is trying to do the same and I will probably make a new thread detailing everything but I have more questions for you, Ron, (or anyone who has advice on the matter).

1. The metal plate separating the engine block and the transmission.. what is it called, do I need a different one for the manual transmission, and if not should I replace it still?

2. Should I replace any seals or gaskets on the transmission before I put it in.

3. Do master cylinders wear badly? I am tempted to get one from a Salvage yard.

4. Could you help me with more info on what to do with the auto harness? I got the reverse switch.

5. Why am I having such a hard time getting the master cylinder and the tubing into the right spot. It's like it's impossible, I'm shocked anybody has not complained about ford's stupid serpentine design of the hose.