83 2.3 4-speed clutch problems

[red-ranger1983]

According to my haynes manual 83 and 84 rangers are different when it comes to clutches. So this is for people who own/have owned or just know for certain...

I think my clutch has gone out but i dont know for sure so i was hoping someone could help...

Problem:

ignition is off and I can put it in to all of the gears and reverse fine. If i start the truck (in neutral) and try to stick it in any gear it either grinds or it wont even let me attempt to put it in. If i start the truck while in gear it starts going forward or backward (depending on the gear) while cranking over. I can get it to start and roll into first but it wont go into a gear and it resists when i try to pull it out. I did manage to go from 1st to 3rd so i could get it home. but its hard as hell...

Yes it has fluid. I really dont know what to do as far as troubleshooting. I also read you cant bleed it because the 83 and 84 are sealed units and have to be serviced at the dealer ship.. its 31 year old sooo... I just didnt know if there is anything to check before going through the hassle of replacing the clutch..

Please help!!

 

[Spott]

Those are the classic symptoms of a clutch that won't disengage. The culprit would most likely be the clutch cylinder(s), and not the clutch itself. Unfortunately, you may have to pull your transmission anyways.

In other news, if you're tricky, once you get the truck rolling you can shift without the clutch, via careful throttle application. You cannot, however, stop moving without shutting down the engine (intentionally or otherwise) or shifting to neutral, requiring you to start it in 1st again.

 

[enjr44]

It is the classic clutch or the slave failure. How many miles on the current clutch? Since you are going to have to pull the transmission it may be smarter to just replace everything. Pressure plate, clutch plate, slave, and maybe pilot bearing. And inspect the flywheel for scoring and burning (it can be resurfaced by your local machine shop).

Just saying!!!

 

[red-ranger1983]

It is the classic clutch or the slave failure. How many miles on the current clutch? Since you are going to have to pull the transmission it may be smarter to just replace everything. Pressure plate, clutch plate, slave, and maybe pilot bearing. And inspect the flywheel for scoring and burning (it can be resurfaced by your local machine shop).

Just saying!!!

Its is my understanding that you do NOT have to pull the transmission as everything (master & slave cylinder) is external on the 83 & 84 model. At least that is what my haynes manual says.