trans not going into gear

[whiteranger185]

So i have a 2004 Ranger with the 3.0 v6 and 5 speed tranny. I bought it used and ever since i got the truck it has always had an issue getting the trans in gear. mainly 1st gear at a stop light. I took the truck in to a shop and they replaced the pilot bearing. They also noticed there was standard gear oil in the tranny instead of ATF which is recommended. After they fixed that it was better but still not the greatest. I had a master cylinder replaced a few months later and just a few weeks ago i had the slave cylinder replaced after it went out. The truck runs good and the tranny shifts ok but alot of times it doesnt want to go completly in gear from a stop light. however if i come to a stop with the clutch in and slight pressure on the shifter if slides right into gear smooth at about 5 MPH. other gears are not too bad, ocasionally 2nd and reverse are an issue but mostly smooth. I had a 97 ranger for 240,000 miles with absolutly zero issues with the tranny so im not sure whats up with this truck. I dont race the truck or bang gears either. My guess is possibly synchros and a complete rebuild but im looking for any ideas you may have.

 

[Eaglefixer]

first check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder reservoir. then with your hand see how much play is in your clutch pedal and report your findings. You could just need to bleed the clutch Master cylinder and line which can be a pain. another possible cause could be the brake and clutch pedal bracket where the pedal pivot. I had a 96 Ranger that had the same problems as you and i change the slave and master cylinders and still didn't help then i found the pedal braket elongated. there are a few post on this site with the pic's of the brackets

 

[whiteranger185]

yeah i have the correct play in the clutch pedal and i checked the master cylinder reservoir also. I ususallly do all my own work on my truck but the tranny i leave to the guys i know at the shop. They also bled the cylinder a few times for me and that seems ok. I will have to look into the bracket that may be out of shape. Thanks for the info. Do you know if its a difficult task to replace that bracket and would i need any special tools?

 

[Eaglefixer]

here a link for the pic's i took of my bracket. Its not that hard to change . I did my at the house in about 4hrs.

 

[Eaglefixer]

sorry forgot the link http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67723