Hard to get in gear

[rangerboy1986]

i have a 1986 ranger, 4wd, 2.3l with a 5 speed manual transmission.. since i bought about a year ago it it has been hard to get in gear, especially when its cold or when i first start it up. it grinds real bad going in reverse alot of the time unless you yank it in reverse real quick, and you about break your arm trying to put it in 1st or 2nd.. but 3rd and 4th are just fine..
The guy i bought it from said there is a plastic piece on the bottom of the shifter that needs to be replaced, but that doesnt explain why it only acts up when im trying to put it in 1st or 2nd, or the grinding in reverse.

Please give me suggestions, this truck is getting to be a Pain in the a** to drive daily.

here is a picture of it, it is stock on 31s with trimmed fenders. P.S. im 17 and i did the fenders.

 

[Explorin94]

I would start with the hydraulic system and go from there. Make sure you have fluid in the master reservoir and go from there. Could also be a bad or worn slave. With the age it could be anything.

 

[bigtruck94]

You might have to get messy, drop the tranny, and replace your clutch and slave cylinder. I had the same problem and just recently replaced the clutch, slave cylinder, and the flywheel. Made a big diference! Expensive, but worth it! Cheaper if you do it yourself.

 

[rangerboy1986]

it needs a clutch, thats for sure and you can hear the throw out bearing ticking so theres another few bucks. Hope to have it all replaced soon.