'02 4.0 5 speed stiff shifting...

[KingSlew]

Recently acquired '02 Ranger - 5 speed - 4x4 -
Stiff shift especially when cold.
Fluids correct & full.
Have to fight it into 1st & reverse when standing (not in motion) Can roll it in pretty easily.
Ideas?

 

[gw33gp]

Most likely the clutch hydraulics or pilot bearing problems. That does not sound like transmission problems.

 

[KingSlew]

Most likely the clutch hydraulics or pilot bearing problems. That does not sound like transmission problems.

How to tell for sure???

 

[Denisefwd93]

How to tell for sure???

where in pedal height does the clutch engage and disengage? if it's right at the very very top it's probably just about due for a change out, Mileage? how old is the clutch? is it the original? Drain and put in a synthetic or a highly recommended fluid, I use Castrol synchromesh in mine.
When you shift, go into second and then into first sometimes it'll go in allot easier.

 

[KingSlew]

After further analysis, probably pilot bearing. Thanks for the help...

 

[kwatson72]

I have the same problem. I know my pilot bearing is toast. It started rattling really bad upon disengagement(release) of clutch, but made no noise when fully depressed, eliminating the throw out bearing (the way I understand it anyways.). Mine is in the shop now for a complete clutch replacement along with transmission input shaft bearing. I just bought the truck from a local dealer. The muffler had been removed, so I didn't hear the noise on the test drive. When I installed a muffler, it was very apparent, and got worse quickly. $725 for this work. Dealer told me "Too bad, nothing we can do.". I bought this as a project I could use as a commuter while fixing up, but this job was a little over my head. Can't even see those top 2 bellhousing bolts!

 

[Denisefwd93]

I bought my truck basically for the cost of new tires because it had a bad transmission I had no trouble getting to the two top bolts, just laid across the top of the engine it was a pleasant surprise on the otherwise difficult and very unpleasant job

I have the same problem. I know my pilot bearing is toast. It started rattling really bad upon disengagement(release) of clutch, but made no noise when fully depressed, eliminating the throw out bearing (the way I understand it anyways.). Mine is in the shop now for a complete clutch replacement along with transmission input shaft bearing. I just bought the truck from a local dealer. The muffler had been removed, so I didn't hear the noise on the test drive. When I installed a muffler, it was very apparent, and got worse quickly. $725 for this work. Dealer told me "Too bad, nothing we can do.". I bought this as a project I could use as a commuter while fixing up, but this job was a little over my head. Can't even see those top 2 bellhousing bolts!