I have a 2001 Ranger 4x2 XLT, 2.5 engine, 5 speed manual transmission.

Just had a new clutch, pressure plate and slave cyclinder installed. Now I have difficulty shifting gears.

It shifts perfect when the engine is off.
It shifts perfect when the engine idles.
It down shifts perfect.

However, when taking off, I have difficulty shifting to second, third and fourth gear. I have to work to get it in gear. I found that when shifting, if I let the RPMs go down, it will go into gear quite easily.

I took it back to the shop that installed the clutch. They bled the system again but to no avail. The mechanic said the synchronizers in the transmission are bad. However, there was no shifting problem before the clutch was changed. I would appreciate any suggestions anyone may have.

 

Try double clutching the transmission. It will "bypass" the synchros, doing what they're supposed to do. If that doesn't fix the problem, you know that the synchros aren't to blame.

Here's how to double-clutch when changing gears:
1) Push in clutch,
2) Pull transmission out of gear and into Neutral
3) Let clutch out
4) Push clutch in
5) Put transmission into next gear
6) Let clutch out

Did that fix the problem?

 

Double Clutching does work. Also, going to neutral and letting the RPMs go down works without double clutching works.

 

If you double clutch without letting the RPMs drop and it fixes it, then it's the synchros.

Sounds like it's time for a transmission replacement/rebuild, or you could just keep double clutching. A rebuild kit with synchros will run you about $200 IIRC.

How many miles are on the truck/transmission? What caused you to get the clutch replaced?

 

Mileage is $110K. The transmission became extremely difficult to shift. The clutch was worn out.

I do let the RPMs drop and it works fine. I cannot double clutch and it work without letting the RPMs drop

 

So when keeping the rpm up and double clutching, it will not shift?

 

That is correct

 

Then I'm thinking it's not the synchros. You can actually shift a manual transmission without the clutch if you can revmatch the engine right, so it makes sense why it upshifts easier for you when you let the revs drop. Anybody else have an idea?

 

Rangers have hydo clutches, right? You might have air in the lines, meaning that its not fulling disengaging the clutch when you ****. Bleed the clutch.