Looking to buy used Ranger - question about clutch feel

[locovaca]

Hi there-

I'm looking at getting a used 93 2WD Ranger, 2.3 with a 5 speed. I test drove it this morning. The clutch seemed real stiff, and I could never feel it engage- it didn't seem like it would engage until the pedal was all the way out. For reference, I've driven these sticks:

90 Corolla
96 Sentra
00 Accord

And they all were softer (with the Accord being the stiffest and close to the Ranger) and engaged about 1/2 - 3/4 the way through the pedal action.

The stiffness doesn't bother me (I actually prefer it), but the fact that it doesn't engage until so late has me worried that it's not in the best shape. The clutch doesn't seem to slip, so it seems fully engaged when the pedal is let out.

Is this normal for this tranny, or should I be looking at replacing some clutch parts?

Thanks a lot

Dan

 

[scotts90ranger]

this is most likely the only hydraulic clutch out of those vehicles, the hydraulic clutches engage about an inch from all the way let out from the day they're put in to the day they slip, they're self adjusting just like disc brakes...

that said, it's completely normal, and the '93 up Ranger clutches seem to be a little stiffer than the '92 and earlier I guess...

 

[CoonRad]

^^^ Most likly All of those run a hydralic clutch. The average driver is a pu$$y and if they had to push in a cable clutch, their leg probably would not have enough muscle to make it work. (exageration)

The fact that you have to push it in so far is usally a good thing. Is the clutch new? A new clutch is thick so when compaired to a warn clutch(thinner) the pedal feel is quite different. In order to get the new clutch to back far enough away from the flywheel so a gear change can be made, you have to push the clutch in farther. A thin old clutch needs less pedal pressure to dissengage it from the flywheel

 

[locovaca]

Thanks. The Accord has a hydraulic, the Sentra a cable, and I don't recall what the Corolla had (hydraulic I think). The Sentra was the softest out of all of them, but I digress.

Maybe I'm using the wrong terminology (I'm not mechanic). The clutch doesn't catch until the pedal is almost completely returned to it's resting position. Up until then you're just revving it in neutral. So you barely push the pedal and it's disengaging, then from all the way depressed the pedal returns almost completely to its resting position before it grabs.

If you guys say that's normal, I'm buying her...

 

[Mutant Pony]

When a Ranger clutch is working properly the pedal is up near the top. Just a slight push of the pedal will make it slip.

 

[ejholmgren]

I'm buying her...

Dooo eeet! '93's are the best ... I have two.

 

[Simple_serf]

My buddy has a 94 and the clutch is hard as hell in that, and, from talking to the PO, always has been....even with clutch, slave, master replacements. I went from driving his to driving my 98, and it was like the clutch wasn't even there. They both have around the same milage. Unless it's slipping, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[chvlfrk]

Just my 02>>>>>>>

I'm an ol' timer, grew up durin the TRUE MUSCLE CAR years (65-73).....

I'm personally NOT a fan of hydraulic clutch setups, I don't like the feel of em, just as all above have described.

I've owned the followin stick-shift vehicles:
65 VW Bug (sloppy 4 spd)
66 GMC/Chevy HD 1/2 ton (3 on tree originally, put granny-low 4spd in it)
68 VW Bug (sloppy 4 spd)
68 Impala Fastback (3 on tree originally, moved to floor)
69 Nova SS (factory Muncie 3spd on floor w/300hp - 350)
70 Camaro (300hp - 350 & 4spd, no console)
71 VW Super Beetle (sloppy 4 spd)
79 Camaro Berlinetta (350/4spd w/console)
78 Malibu Wagon (factory 3spd stick on the floor w/bench seat)

I like the ol' pedal & rod setup, as you could adjust the clutch pedal to grab where YOU wanted it to...........

I've got a buddy in ND that has a 66 SS396 Chevelle that his is setup to grab at the bottom, so you keep your foot on the pedal & just tap it to bang gears

Ahhhhhh, the GOOD OL' DAYS!!!

 

[Mutant Pony]

Yeah, If your used to the old rod style the hydraulics take a little getting used to. The pedal has no "feel" to it in a hydraulic system. When the clutch wears the pedal gets higher. On the old style you could tell if the clutch was getting wore by the location of the pedal. If it were up in the Ranger location, It was shot.

 

[spittinfire]

Since when was a cable operated clutch stiff??

 

[Mutant Pony]

Ever driven a Fox body Mustang with a Racing clutch? STIFF! Same clutch with a hydraulic system: easy.

 

[spittinfire]

Yeah, I've driven them. I've always thought a 3 finger mechanical was a bit stiffer but thats just me.