Do post-'98 Rangers have the trans tunnel "access hatch"?

[fixizin]

It's time to get after those leaky lame shift rail plugs, and I'm not sure I can get them from underneath.

I know on older-Gen Rangers, if you're willing to take-up or cut-open the carpet/flooring, there's a screwed-down access plate that gives a LOT more access to the topside of the M5OD than the little porthole that's exposed when you remove the cup holder to replace the shifter bushings, but what about on my '99??

Let me know, thanks in advance!

 

[SenorNoob]

Pretty sure I've seen them in junkyard. If it is there you should be able to see it from the bottom if you can get under the truck...

 

[fixizin]

I've found some VERY small needle nose pliers, but haven't really explored it from below yet... but if it comes to top-side access, I guess we're talking BOTH seats have to come out, then whatever trim pieces hold down the rubber flooring...??

 

[superj]

i believe i remember my 04 having a large cover with hole fro the shift stuff to come through, like you are talking about. i changed the shifter so i had to pull the stuff around the shift arm and i think thats what i remember being under there. and you can cut a good deal of carpet out and still have it hidden under the console when you reinstall the console so you don;t have to pull the seats to remove the carpet

 

[fixizin]

I'm always open to shortcuts, but I've got NO console, just the small twin-cups holder... don't want to get ahead of myself, but there might be a not-too-shabby way to "splice" in a rubber flooring patch, or otherwise "camouflage" it.

 

[superj]

Layers syraight cut layers

 

[SenorNoob]

I've never removed a seat to get to it on my 1st gen. Just take the door trim and kick panels off. When I swapped transmissions, I got a plate from an automatic and cut the holes it needed.

 

[fixizin]

YEPPER... climbed under there--finally with a proper LIGHT--and there's a big roomy "hatch"... BUT, it's got some nice thin black spongy foam rubber (sound-dampening?) sandwiched on the tunnel-side, which touches the trans just enough to have gotten SOAKED in ATFluid... yeah, it's that sponge-like...

... looks like using a mirror (and some bad language) I could RTV plugs from below, but it also looks like I can roll back the rubber flooring by removing just the cupholder, shift lever, and 2 trim pieces, and then open the hatch, do the plugs, and also be able to REALLY inspect for other leaks. Also spray it down with Mean-Green and rinse, so I know if it's STILL leaking.

>> Any ideas on how to de-oil the sheet of foam rubber soundproofing?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SenorNoob]

Maybe spray with dish soap (Dawn Powerwash) let sit a few minutes then soak in hot water? That should encourage the oil to float to the top. Then just blot dry...

 

[fixizin]

Maybe spray with dish soap (Dawn Powerwash) let sit a few minutes then soak in hot water? That should encourage the oil to float to the top. Then just blot dry...

Do you think 'Fast 505' degreaser would hurt the rubber?

 

[SenorNoob]

Only one way to find out.