97 ranger

[shanezoid]

I have a 97 ranger witha 4.0 and a manual transmission. When my truck is idleing and I push in the clutch and goto put it into first gear I have to fight to get it in gear but if i wait 5 to 10 seconds and then try it usually goes in with no problem anyone have any ideas. Thanks Shanezoid.

 

[3 of 7]

This can be caused by a number of things, Easy stuff first.
Check and bleed the clutch fluid (it is a hydraulic system )
The clutch pedal cross shaft ( the brake pedal pivots on the same shaft) has nylon bushings that wear out... If they're gone altogether it can introduce enuff play in the system that the clutch won't completely disengage.
The pilot bearing being worn out can cause this, as can the input shaft bearing ( both of these involve pulling the transmission, sorry)
I've heard of cracking in the firewall area around the master cylinder, but I haven't seen this myself yet.

A quick way to get it into gear when it's like this is grind the sucker into reverse first, this will stop the input shaft from spinning, then you should be able to get it into first easily.

 

[shanezoid]

I have bled it and did not get any air out and was wondering if i was doing something wrong. I saw a post talking about looking through the hole where the shifter is at the tuning forks it said they look line buttons and should be straight across from each other was thinking about checking that too. I am going right now to check the pedal thing. Thanks Shanezoid.

 

[3 of 7]

I have to lay a mirror on the floor to see the cross shaft on mine.

 

[shanezoid]

The cross shaft looks and feels fine and putting it into reverse i get a quick grind and then it goes right into first and first is the only gear i have trouble with.

 

[4x4junkie]

Someone probably put Mercon V fluid in it.
Drain it and put regular "Mercon" in it, and I'll bet the problem clears up in a few hundred miles.

 

[shanezoid]

Just changed the fluid so I will drive it over the weekend and let you know what happens. Thanks Shanezoid.

 

[shanezoid]

I have drove about 100 miles and no change could this be a master cylinder problem? Thanks Shanezoid.

 

[4x4junkie]

You used "Mercon" fluid right? (NOT "Mercon V")

I suppose it could be a clutch hydraulic issue, although the fact it goes in gear (I assume easily) after a few seconds tells me it's synchro-related (either they're worn, or the wrong fluid has affected their frictional properties).

How many miles are on the transmission?

 

[shanezoid]

Mercron and 144000 miles. Thanks

 

[super91]

What will running Mercon V do to the tranny? Im new to this and was just wondering.

 

[4x4junkie]

What will running Mercon V do to the tranny? Im new to this and was just wondering.

It's been reported by several people that the transmission becomes hard to put in gear while stopped, and tends to grind or "chunk" while shifting when using Mercon V (this applies only to the M5OD stickshift, not sure what it's effects (if any) would be on the A4LD). After switching back to the old-spec Mercon fluid, the problem would eventually clear itself after some time. A fluid change is something that's simple to do before tearing into the trans to replace the synchros.

Check these posts:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29477
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23645

 

[shanezoid]

Well I have drove over 300 miles and I can't tell any diffeence so I guess it is time to go to the tranny shop for their opinion. Shanezoid.

 

[3 of 7]

I've read multiple threads on air in the master cylinder that you can't get out by normal bleeding methods, you may want to do a search on bleeding techniques ( it might save you a few bux)

 

[shanezoid]

Thanks I will try and report back. Shanezoid.