clutch

[Dhunter839]

Is there anyway you can adjust how far up the pedal comes before my clutch starts to catch? On my 03 it catches right at the top, its been like that since I bought it and its only got 115k on it, I shouldn't be replacing a clutch this soon.

 

[RonD]

No, there are no external or even internal adjustments

There are two kinds of pressure plates that can be used on the Rangers, self-adjusting(stock) or regular(after market)

When the clutch was replaced a regular pressure plate was probably used, this is fine, but the place on the pedal where the dis-engage/engage happens will change as the clutch disc wears down.

Self-adjusting pressure plate costs more but keeps the dis-engage/engage in the middle of the pedal for the life of the clutch disc.

 

[Dhunter839]

Idk what clutch is in it. I bought the truck and I'm pretty sure its been wrecked. It supposedly has a racing clutch in it but who nows

 

[Road Angels]

Racing clutches are not self adjusting, so if the pedal is at the very top before engagement your getting ready for a new disc, most racing discs will not last as long as a stock disc because of material differences

 

[RonD]

Yes, Racing clutch = short life

Vehicles made for racing are torn down all the time, so not an issue to use a high grip quick wear clutch disk.
For daily drivers.................an issue, might be time for a change.

 

[Dhunter839]

Well its supposed to be a "thunderbolt" edition ranger and they came with different packages, one being a high geared tranny, although only a few things match up, my tranny is geared high.

 

[RonD]

Not sure the "thunderbolt" included any transmission changes, intake air box and exhaust was about it for powertrain.
Most changes were for looks.

Oh, found this:
http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/stories/slp/slpthunderbolt2003.html

If it is a 4.0l then it should have the Mazda M50D-R1HD, trans code "J"
3.0l Mazda M50D-R1, trans code "M"

Axle may be a 4.10 for quickness

 

[adsm08]

The average life of a Ranger clutch is 100,000 miles, give or take. Go buy yourself a sensible LUK set from NAPA, a new slave, and get it all put in.

For the record, putting a "racing clutch" on any Ranger engine is ridiculous.

 

[Dhunter839]

Its geared high, 3rd tops out at about 75. And with 115k, so I may have to pit a clutch in it

 

[RonD]

3rd gear would be 1.31 on a 4.0l 5-speed
With a 3.73 axle and 27" tall tires

At 4,500 RPM you would be at 73.94 MPH

 

[kunar]

The thunderbolt package was mainly appearance, there were options to have minor performance mods but they never got into the trans or clutch. I'd bet your trans and clutch are stock.

http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/stories/slp/slpthunderbolt2003.html

Sent from my HTCEVOV4G using Tapatalk now Free

Edit: I see RonD already beat me to it. Oh well...

 

[Dhunter839]

I did say supposed to be. Its a 2 door short bed stepside, although it don't have the thunderbolt emblems & the fact they were made in ext cab it still has the correct body kit, hood scoop, and two tone seats with the emblems. Its got a 3.0 in it. & at 4500 rpm in 3rd its more around 65 mph