1989 ranger 4 speed. Remanufactured transmission about a year ago. Lately the clutch, or maybe shift linkage(?) is very stiff at first start in the morning. Sometimes I have to start in third a bit and then it is fine all day. Any ideas what is going on? Topped off clutch fluid and that is not problem

andy

 

theres no shift linkage. are you saying its hard to get in gear in the mornings? its possible the the clutch is wearing out but I think it would do this most of the time driving, first I would check trans fluid and or replace it.

 

Yeah, it is hard to ge5 in gear at first. Sometimes I have to go to third and just nudge a bit, then it is fine. However going 3rd to fourth can also be hard to find. Best to shift 3 to 4 th at no more then 25 mph.

tranny less then two years old, maybe 4-5,000 miles.

Andy

 

with the motor off what does it do? clutch in. its a lot easier to check the fluid and add some than it is to to change a clutch. when the clutch starts to ware out it can be hard to get in gear because it not fully disengage and hanging up on flywheel and pressure plate. mine was hard to engage at a stop, not moving. fluid is not hard to check, theres lots of post here.

 

With engine off and clutch in it slides easily into the gears. Just stiff occasionally at startup. 3-4th can be tough while driving over 25 mph. Go up to 4th early.

 

right now I'm thinking its the trans. just because if the clutch was bad, motor off it would be harder to get in gear. or mine was. driving even with bad clutch you could kinda get it in gear, you might hear a little grind. check the oil in the trans it uses Micron ATF, check what on.

 

Thanks Docm. Will check out

 

do you think they replaced the clutch when you got rebuilt trans?

 

This seems more like an issue with the clutch hydraulic/throw out bearing system than the clutch itself.
Try bleeding the clutch and see if that helps. If it does not, you may need to get in and replace other components that work with the hydraulic system to actuate the pressure plate.

FWIW, a clutch that is worn should generally be easier to "get into gear" than a new clutch, as there will be more clearance between the friction disc and the clamp surfaces once its worn down.

Issues getting into gear are usually either air in the clutch line, a worn pilot bearing/busing, or a bad input bearing.