Clutch/Trans issue

[1986ranger4x4]

Hi im new to the forums and had a question, I have a 1986 ford ranger 4x4 with a 2.9l v6 5spd manual and it shifts fine and drives great if you baby it, but under heavy acceleration after it gets around 2k-2.5k it wont put much power to the wheels and will just rev up and when i let off the gas it "catches" around 2k. my question is would this be a transmission issue or the clutch? I got it about a month ago, previous owner hauled wood with it and had all mismatched tires on it, I put new tires on (just street tires) and this started happening right after. I also checked the clutch resevoir and its full, and if you put it in gear with it off it does not roll. any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[adsm08]

Sounds like it's time for a clutch. Classic slipping clutch symptoms there. You might get a year out of it like that if you play nice, you might not get through tomorrow. They all go differently.

My wife got through two weeks on a bad clutch, another friend of mine did 6 months on one. When I was in HS I told my dad as soon as I noticed mine slipping and I barely made it to the shop 5 miles away.

 

[4x4junkie]

Agreed, sounds like it just needs a new clutch.

You might want to look into doing the 4.0L clutch upgrade for it. Sure it has better holding power and lasts longer, however I think by far it's biggest benefit is the much smoother pedal feel it has (not near as grabby as the small 2.9L clutches tend to be). I did the swap on my '90 and can attest it's well worth it.

Luk is the clutch brand of choice for these trucks.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/May06/40_clutch_swap.htm


Welcome to TRS

 

[1986ranger4x4]

thanks guys I appreciate the help. ill have to look into that 4.0l clutch swap.