2000 4cyl M/T - hard to get into gear while stopped

[chris1044]

Question for the trans guru's...(AllanD If he still posts here...been a long time since I've been on here)

2000 ranger, 4cyl, 160K. Transmission shifts fine while driving/coasting - no grinding, no hard shift engagements.

When stopped with the engine running (stop light/sign/traffic), it's difficult to go into 1st/2nd/3rd/4th, but 5th and rev aren't an issue...ever. Occasionally shaking the shifter back and forth in neutral hard makes it easy to get into 1st.

There is ZERO grinding, nor does the truck lurch/creep at zero vehicle speed with your foot off the brake/the clutch in. Because of this, I don't think it's a clutch disengagement issue...correct me if I'm wrong here.

The only thing I can pin it on is the shift forks/rails are worn, or the dog teeth on 1-4 are worn. So, three questions:

1) What's wrong with the trans...common issue?
2) What trans is in this truck? (Off hand, or will I need a VIN?)
3) Can I pull the top cover with the trans in the truck...I doubt I can, but IDK how big the removable plate is...it's a buddies spare beater, likely not worth any more than 1k put into it.

As bad as this is...I haven't driven/seen the truck, but he claims the fluid is full...we all know how that goes.

 

[99RangerKrazy]

My B2500 used to do the same thing, and to some extent it still does. The first thing I did was change the fluid out...it was black as hell, hadn't been changed in a while. Put in some fresh ATF and the problem got significantly better. It still occurs every now and again, so most of the time when I'm coming to a stop, as I'm still slightly rolling forwards (or backwards if I come to a complete stop) then I put it in gear, this works every time.

Just to answer your questions:

1. Not sure if it's necessarily common, but I've heard of it happening before.
2. M5OD 2WD tranny
3. I don't think so, you'll have to remove the tranny - but I'd start with changing the fluid...get yourself a 15/16" socket/wrench to get the fill/drain plugs off..why they couldn't just go with a 7/8" is beyond me.