Shifting Problems

[trademarked67]

I am the original owner of a 94 Ranger 5 speed manual transmission with 193,000 miles. 4 cylinder, 2.3 L engine. Never had any mechanical problems with the vehicle, clutch, master and slave cylinders are all original. Two years ago there was a four or five week period in the early spring where it was difficult to shift, especially trying to put it into first gear. I never got around to doing anything about the problem before it went away. The following year during the same time of year, the same thing happened for about a month, and then it stopped.

This year, same thing started about 2 weeks ago. Driving home last week, I was having a terrible time getting it into first gear, then when I did get it in, the truck jumped forward like I had quickly dropped the clutch. Barely got it home before it got to the point where I couldn't shift it at all while it is running. When the truck is off, it shifts easily through all the gears. When I start it with the truck in gear, the truck wants to move forward while the clutch is engaged and there is a loud clicking noise.

The clutch reservoir is full and there is no sign of leaks from the master or slave cylinder, but I did bleed the hydraulic system and there was no change. The transmission fluid is at the proper level also.

Before I drop the tranny and replace the clutch and slave, I would like to know if there is something else I should look. Also, I will be working on this by myself and don't have jack to lift the tranny - is this doable and do you have any advice?

 

[kunar]

im surprised to hear that all the original clutch and hydraulics lasted almost 200k miles. its time they need replaced, i couldnt think what else it would be. you will need a transmission jack though.

 

[metalmacguyver]

No you do not need a transmission jack. If you are careful and are strong enough you can do it with out one. I just did my clutch recently with out the luxury of one. 20 years old, fairly fit, 180lbs. A tranny jack does make life easier though.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Welcome to TRS. I would concure that is is well past time to change the slave.
I'm a 43 year old smoker that weighs in at about 160, I have no problem changing that trans without a jack. I've done it many times though.

 

[grnrngr]

Heh...gotcha beat there...I'm 54 and have done at least 3 within the last year, easy enough without a jack, but it's nice to have...when I need one, I usually use a regular floorjack. Have a friend standing by though...it's a bitch to get stuck somewhere and have to wait for hours before someone sees yer feet sticking out from under the truck. Let us know how it goes tho...when my input shaft broke, it felt like it was going thru the gears right, they just weren't connecting to the rest of the trans tho, so no workie...hope it's yer clutch and not a broke trans..

 

[Hardwareman]

I lay on my back under the Ranger (it's lifted) with my head towards the front and my legs towards the rear axle.

I put the tranny on my torso and use my body and arms to lift it up and forward into place. Works everytime for me, but like Mutant Pony said "I have done it many times now.

36 years old here.



Allen

 

[MAKG]

An alternative to the tranny jack -- which I haven't tried (I own a small platform jack) -- is to support the transmission with a few of those $4 Harbor Freight ratchet straps.

 

[trademarked67]

Thanks for the suggestions - I really had no idea what I was looking at in terms of weight. I am used to coming up with creative solutions to problems like this as I do a lot of solo projects, but they usually relate to home building and remodeling. I'm mechanically inclined, but have done little automotive work. I have the manual, but I am sure questions will come up. Unfortunately I won't be able to work on it until Sunday.

 

[Jspafford]

I just use a floorjack. I am anxious now though, I have an ATV/Motorcycle jack that has a 1'x1' flat pad on it. Would probably work great on a tranny.