Next project...'94 Escort auto to stick

[Jeff in VA]

Any Ford people out there????

Soon I'll be done with my MJ project (for a little while) and know I'm gonna be bored, so I've been toying around with another idea. I've got a POS 94 Escort, 1.9L, with an AOD tranny. Runs excellent, but the trans is starting to die a slow death. Rather than spend $$$ repairing the trans, or swapping it for another auto, what all would be involved in converting it to a 5spd? I've got no shortage of parts thanks to the couple U-pull yards down here, but am wondering if there are any significant problems I might run into should I decide to do this, so any input would be greatly appreciated.
Please don't ask why I'm wanting to do this.....I just like to wrench on stuff, and make my wife wonder why she ever married me
Jeff

edit -> I did see a link somewhere for a Ford Escort forum, but I'd sooner ask than take my chances with that lot....

 

[rixXJphx]

Same potential problems as for an XJ tranny swap:
* Finding/fitting clutch (and different brake) pedals.
* Fitting the new shifter.

Plus:
* New/reset computer if the old one communicated with the auto tranny.
* Axle stub shafts for manual will prolly be of a different length than those for an auto.

It is often easier to just drop an FWD engine/tranny assembly out the bottom as a unit.
Consider a couple engine mods at the same time for a little pizazzzzz! At least a cam and headers and new timing belt/waterpump while they're accessible.

 

[NHXJer]

Or you could buy my 95 5-speed Escort I have for sale - all the swap parts you need for $500!

Chris

 

[Jeff in VA]

Chris-
Just a liittttle to far from me....I've already got my MJ 300 miles away now, but thanks for the offer....

rixXJphx-
My big concern is the 'puter. As far as mechanicals go I'm o.k., but I'm outwitted by the brain Maybe I'll break down and buy a book and get my smarts on. It had the timing belt/water pump deal done around 85K when the belt went. I've got 111K on it now and I know the trans never had any service done to it, so I'm a little leary of changing the fluid in hopes of making it better. It's not burnt or smelly, but isn't bright cherry red, either. I may end up flushing it to see if it helps any, then see what happens. If it craps out then, I won't be any worse off. Meanwhile, I may start comparing things in the yards to see what all I need. Nice tip on the axle shafts....I'd have never thought of them being different sizes.

This is why every vehicle I've ever owned has been a stick. Less gizmos to worry about.
Thanks,
Jeff