83 ranger 4x4 2.3l tranny issues.
 

83 ranger Bell housing cracked.been trying to replace it for a year w no lucking finding.found a 5speed (fm145) but it doesn't quite bolt up right.has drive line length issues. What is interchangeable with this darn truck!

Did you find the reason the housing cracked ?

If you don't know , what is to prevent it from happening again?

Did you try Vintage Parts Inc.
located in Beaver Dam ,Wisc. ?
If they have what you need , but will only sell to dealership, I would consider that route.

Check out this site which will list inventories of boneyards to match your Ranger. It's old and may not be easy to find. Good luck with your search.
www.car-parts.com