03 4.0 5 spd trans problem

[coffeeman]

Its starting to get hard to put in first gear,its an XLT 4x4 4.0 5 spd.I am assuming the worst,meaning tranny replacement or rebuild.Any suggestions?I am a shipper reciver so I have no problem looking around the country for the best deal.I am also thinking about doing it myself.The dealer is quoting $3000 without seeing it yet.Yikes.Also,its got 133,000.Is this average or common?Thanks for the advice.Its a new vehicle to me so I dont know its history.

 

[AllanD]

At this point I'd look to either a bad pilot bearing or a clutch release issue rather than a transmission problem

AD

 

[coffeeman]

It shifts fine in all other gears as well.does that still apply

 

[Eaglefixer]

1st thing you need to do is check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder and report back

 

[adsm08]

It shifts fine in all other gears as well.does that still apply

Absolutely it still does. Have you ever heard of "speed shifting"? When you don't get full clutch release after you are moving you are essentially speed shifting. When you are stopped you can't match the speeds of the gears to get them to just drop in like you can when you are moving.

Hard to get in first is 9 times out of 10 the first sign of a failing clutch slave cylinder.

 

[snake]

Yup. You can try to bleed it but chances are it needs to be replaced. It is very likely a hydraulic issue and not the tranny. Stay away from any clown that wants 3K and hasn't even seen it...

 

[coffeeman]

Thanks for all the replies.Now I have knowledge.I will read up some more on my problem and look into remedies.