Strange Tranny issue

[seh6183]

First of all hello! I am new to the forums as you can see. I just picked up a 1996 4x4 Ranger extended cab with the 4.0 and 5 speed. The truck is in great shape and has 170k on it.


I have already been through the tech section of the site and have noticed a few problems that my Ranger has (stuck door switch and such). Well when I first drove the truck I was sure that the clutch had air in the line because it was incredibly hard to get into gear from a dead stop. Then after driving it for 3 days I realized that if I push the clutch all the way in and wait about 5 seconds (to the point where you hear the throw out bearing stop making noise) it will go right into gear effortlessly. If I don't wait the 5 seconds and just step down and try to put it in gear, its like hitting a brick wall. I also read on here the the slave cylinders go out all the time on these trucks so ill have to take a look at that as well. I dont see any fluid anywhere but from what I understand the slave is in the tranny so... Anyways if anyone else's truck is doing the same thing please let me know what you think I should do.


Then Ill tell you about the couple other things I cant figure out Thanks in advance!

 

[adsm08]

I'd say that a SC problem is at least possible, but if your slave is truly shot then the bearing shouldn't stop. Slaves do tend to take a lot of abuse and don't last as long as some other hydraulic parts. really the throwout shouldn't be making noise either though. It is also possible that you just have some bad synchros. I've noticed over the years that RBV manual trannies just like to get stuck out of gear for whatever reason. I've usually been able to get around this to at least some degree by double clutching. I've had a lot of trouble particularly with second gear. Try double clutching it, and see if that helps any.

 

[seh6183]

I can try double clutching but I would really like to find more of a permanent fix. I will change the fluid in the tranny and check the master and slave cylinders hopefully this weekend. I will report back here. To check the master I pull the hydraulic line on the bell housing and step on the clutch right? If its stiff then the master is ok and mushy then the master is bad? How do I check the slave without dropping the tranny? Thanks in advance.

Also, I will probably end up bleeding the line just to be safe.


Shoot one more thing sorry. Is there any possibility that is has something to do with worn out shifter bushings? When its in gear if can move the stick about an inch in either direction. Is that normal?