hard to shift into gear

[silverclaw328]

I have a 1994 Ranger with 4.0 engine. Ever since I've owned the truck it's been fairly hard to put the shifter into each gear. I know it's not a hydraulic clutch problem because I've done a couple clutch kits, master and slave cylinders on it and it has never changed the way the shifter locks in. Is there maybe a problem down where the shifter connects into the transmission? Or is it more likely internal damage?

 

[TrueTarzan]

The best way to take a clutch system entirely out of the mix is to while parked with the engine off parking brake on and foot off of the clutch pedal just run her through the gears. It will be normal for there to be a slight feel as you run up and down the gears, that is just the teeth lining up for each one but when you shift to the next one they all shift slightly around. There should be minimal drag felt when just moving from first to neutral back to first repeating (or any gear). If that seems easier than normal day to day operation try starting the truck and with the pedal on the floor (never moving from there) and the truck not rolling. If the same minimal drag is felt running in and out of each gear I would consider it normal.

The fact that your concern happens every gear all the time makes me lean more towards clutch issues or normal operation. Having had basically every part on that trans apart multiple times (unfortunately not all at the same time) the shifter plate would be the only common point that I can think of. But even then 1-2, 3-4, and 5-R all have their own gates and work independently.

Best of luck, I'm subbed to learn the outcome of this thread!