Summer is coming and I am sure people are getting ready to wheel more and finally have good weather to do upgrades (at least in the northern climates).

So I have a steady supply of Strengthening Pans available. Made in thicknesses of 19mm for $109.95 or 12mm for $94.95. Includes mounting hardware, Loctite etc. Even added some bling.

Website created for easier ordering. Paypal Cart etc...

Get the info here: www.tuffpans.com

Awe man, I want a cool one like that! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Maybe you want a spare? I hope the one you ordered is working out well. -Paul

These look bomber!
When can I get one for my Gen III?

I've looked all over the place to try and get a simple skid plate for my trans and transfer case, but my only luck has been over in Oz.
Looks like a trip to the fab. shop is down the road.

These aren't for skid protection, though their stoutness won't hurt. They are to strengthen the KM145 from the twisting that is prone to happen under hard loading.

Happy July 4th (bump)

So how durable and reliable are these trannies and how much of a difference does the pan really make? I am considering switching to an FM145 so I can marry my Atlas, but alot of the Ranger guys consider the KM/FM series to be pieces of junk. I am thinking if I add a tough pan and a 5th gear bearing sleeve kit, it should help durability but I am still concerned because others say stay away from these trannies. Also is there anything else I can do to increase the durability of these trannies?

A few people have put KM132 internals into the KM145 for the improved front bearing. One of my customers in Australia is running 430ft/lbs of torque (Starion) through his without any problems. I've sold a few pans to the Ford (FM145) crowd also.

I have had 4 of these KM trannies over the years and I have had nothing but good experiences, but I hear the FM trannies have there issues. I always run synthetics and I change the oil every 25K miles to help reduce wearing and heat. I think they are solid trannies but if there is an other manual tranny option I am open to ideas.

My brother had a Toyo Kogyo (TK-5) tranny in his 88 Bronco II and that was the nicest smothest shifting tranny I have ever felt, but who knows if it's compatible with my engine. I know you can swap a TK-5 for a FM145 on a gasser, but I am not sure about the diesels. If I can fit a Mitsubishi diesel bellhousing onto a TK-5 tranny I am all set, but I am guessing I will never get an answer to this question so I am relegated to an FM145 for now.

Others have told me the FM145 used in the Ford Ranger from 1985 to 1987 has had a notorius problem with the 5th gear bearing sleeve wearing into the 5th/reverse synchronizer hub. This problem further has cause the failure of the 5th gear on the mainshaft, causing the 5th gear to seize to the 5th/reverse hub and then break.

The problem is inherent, because the mating-surface area of the 5th gear bearing sleeve is too small. Although pressures against the hub are amplified while the transmission is a high operating temperatures, they decrease significantly when the transmission cools to ambient temperature. This continual pattern causes the sleeve to work loose against the 5th/reverse synchronizer hub and then begins to wear into the splined area of the hub.Drivetrain.com makes a bearing sleeve with a collar which elminates this problem.

By adding your tough pan and a 5th gear bearing collar it will greatly improve durability and reliability. I don't think I'll ever push 400+ ft lbs of torque, but I may push 200 some day. Thanks for your help, I think I'll pickup an FM145 in the morning an get the ball rolling.

The newest addition: Direct fit FM145 Tuffpans. Worked this out with Spence over the past few weeks. The bolt pattern is custom the the FM145 Transmission. Available now via email/PM. Will be added to the Tuffpans site soon.