Manual Tranny Fluid Leak. Drop the tranny?

[Jm3]

My 1993 Ranger 3.0v6 has a bad manual transmission fluid leak. Everytime I park, it starts to drip. I took a look underneath the truck and it looks like a gasket has failed causing the fluid to leak.

My local shop told me that they need to drop the tranny to replace the seal. He told me that he could change my clutch at the same time since the tranny was removed, so it would be around $650. The only problem is that I don't need a new clutch. I think the previous owner had the clutch replaced very recently.

Can I just use some liquid gasket to form a seal without removing the tranny? Are there any other options besides spending $600 bucks to replace one gasket?

 

[90rangersuper]

what gasket is leaking? also what kind of tranny do you have?

 

[Jm3]

I'm not sure. I will snap a picture today. It is a 5 speed transmission.

 

[aipaul]

The Mazda 5 spd transmission is famous for leaking from the shift rail plugs. I know mine was. Read this before doing anything.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/shift_rail_plug_maintenance.htm

 

[Big Jim M]

If you don't know for sure where the leak is wipe the tranny down real good and drive her aroud the block..then crawl under there with a light and spend as much time as it takes to find the leak.. Only then will you know what it will take to repair the leak.
You sopke of a gasket and then said the mechanic spoke of a seal.. Find out just what is going on.
Big JIm

 

[fixizin]

Big Jim, I like the freeze-plug fix for this. Do you know what size they take?

I assume this is no problem until tranny rebuild time...?

 

[Big Jim M]

Well I don't like freeze plugs unless the tranny is on a bench. I like the rubber stock ones with some GLUE on them Much easier to install and won't leak either..
No I am not sure of the size of the holes.
Big JIm

 

[MrE_Powers]

i think there is an access plate for the top of the transmission. you remove the passenger seat, the shift boot, some screws holding in the carpet on the passenger side and i think you are at the access plate. it opens up and better access for the shift plug area for the freeze plugs.

i would try the freeze plugs as they are cheaper. but dont be surprised if you need to do the rubber ones instead.

 

[dorman68]

I too had a very bad leak coming from my 5-speed manual trans. The Mazda 5-speed manual transmissions used in the Rangers a very prone to leakage from the shift rail plugs. Look at the top of the transmission towards the rear. There are 3 rubber plugs which a very prone to leakage. I replaced mine with out needing to remove or lower the transmission. http://www.binaryweb.com/fordtech/trannyplug/index.asp

Here is a link to give you a visual aid.