manual trans help please

[Red beast]

Second gear is hard to get in and 3 won't get in at all. Any ideas? Is this something I can do myself or trans shop only. I have a fair amount of wrenching skills but never busted into a trans before. It's a 4x4

 

[BlackBII]

Have you checked the fluid and the shifter bushing? Those can cause shifting issues, among other internal problems

Here are some great threads on the tear down of the M5R1, It's a fairly simple process that you can do yourself.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248249

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159665

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169784

 

[bigtruck94]

Your slave cylinder is shot than. This is pretty common to most shifting problems in the old rangers. Recently replaced mine including a new clutch and flywheel. One other thing you could try is bleeding it. I bled it and it lasted me for 7 months and just bled it again when it started to shift hard again. i replaced mine because it was warn out and I used every bit of it.

If you don't know how to bleed it here you go:
1. Get underneath it and locate a little nipple on the right side (driver side) of the transmission. It should be towards the front.
2. Get a friend to pump the clutch and check the resivor while you bleed it.
3. Once your buddy pumps the clutch 3-4 times, Get a 8 or 10 size wrench and unscrew the screw a little and watch the fluid come out. If you hear or see air bubbles come out, You know you have some air bubbles in it.
4. Repeat the process 3 to 4 times and make sure your friend checks the resivor everytime you do it. If you don't see anymore air bubbles come out of the line, you should be good to go.
5. have him fill it up with brake fluid when it is low. If you drain it all the way, you have to start all over.

It has worked for me a lot. Just a helpful hint that could help your issue.