I have a 94 ranger with the 2.3 and 5 speed manual transmission. My transmission is leaking fluid (ATF) from the top of the transmission. Anyone know where its coming from and if i should be worried about it.

 

Yes, its a common leak on the M5OD-R1 transmission models

Article here on whats happening and fixes for it: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...ntenance.shtml

As long as you keep transmission topped up with ATF, there would be no danger in driving it until the next clutch replacement when you can change the rubber plugs or put in metal ones
It doesn't leak that much fluid because its a "dry leak", no ATF liquid is that high in the transmission, but it is splashed on the inside of the rubber plugs
As transmission warms up air pressure in transmission goes up a bit and can push some of that ATF out past the seals of the rubber plugs

I think you can remove the transmission support cross member and lower back of trans and engine down enough to access the plugs, but never tried that myself

 

My 2003 B2300 5 speed leaks like crazy too. It is enough to keep the transmission wet and oily all the time, but not quite bad enough to drip. But mine seems to have oil on it all the way up toward the bell housing. I wouldn't think a leak from these would get oil all the way up there.

 

The 2.3l duratec can leak oil from back of the valve cover

Also, automatics have a vent, its in the rear but there is a metal line that runs to the front, over the top of bellhousing, and then back down
Seen in picture here: https://shiftritetransmissions.com/w...55E_001-17.jpg

If it has a crack it can leak condensed ATF

 

That is is a good point. My 2.3 duratec valve cover is leaking badly on the front and also around the spark plugs, so it is very likely leaking in the back too. I finally got my coolant leaks solved for now and I'm hopeful of getting the transmission and valve cover leaks fixed next. Thanks!