I have a 98' Ranger with a 3.0 manual. Between shifts the RPM shoots up to around 2500-3000 until the truck stops moving. I cleaned the MAF sensor and changed the air filter which seemed to work for a day then it started again. Any suggestions? Also not sure if this is related but extremely hard shifting came shortly after so i replaced the clutch and the old clutch looked fine but the problem stopped.

 

Welcome to the forum


Clean IAC(idle air control) Valve

On manual transmissions the RPMs should hold for 5 seconds when shifting(but not go up), it helps lower emissions.
And then RPMs should stay above 1,100 or so until speedometer is under 5MPH, also emissions thing, idling engines are big polluters

Do a vacuum leak test, simple and FREE
Have engine warmed up and idling
Locate and unplug the 2 wire connector on the IAC Valve
Valve will close and RPMs should drop to 500 or engine may even stall, either is GOOD, it means no vacuum leaks.
If idle doesn't drop then you have a vacuum leak, or a stuck IAC Valve


The hard shifting would, IMO, be unrelated, yes could have been leaking clutch slave that allowed air into the system which then prevents clutch from disengaging fully so harder shifting