I have a 1983 Ranger 4x4. I t has a BAD TK4 tranny, only 1st and fourth work. Do I have to replace it with that exact tranny?

I also have a 1989 B2 but I have it running fairly good. Except a possible leaky rear main seal. Any advice would be helpful.

 

Welcome to the forum

What engine is in the 1983 Ranger?
Thinking 4cyl because of 4-speed
But there were a few 2.8l V6 with 4-speed

It matters for transmission options

Yes, you have to use a 4x4 transmission, can't convert 2WD easily

You can look here to see what years had what transmissions: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...smission.shtml


You need to pull transmission or engine to put in a new main seal in the 2.9l B2
If oil is coming out the bellhousing it's a rear main seal leak for sure, main seal is a "pressure leak" so will leak alot of oil, not like an oil pan leak or valve cover leak which are "gravity leaks"

 

why does the 1983 Ranger have an electric fuelpump in tank and a mechanical on block?

 

Its a Lift pump, to get the fuel up over the top of the tank then thru the fuel filter to the mechanical pump.
Mechanical pumps can "lose prime" when engine is off if there is a small leak in one of the fuel lines
Also slightly less likely to get "vapor lock" with a little pressure in the fuel lines if they run near the exhaust system