Don't know what would cause this, but the noise can be heard more clearly when it is cold. It can be hear faintly in 1st and 4th, but mainly in 2nd. BTW, doesnt seem to matter whether the clutch is engaged or not, makes the noise just by putting the shifter into gear. The noise isnt extremely obnoxious or anything, just more annoying/peace of mind type deal. By the way, my Ranger is an 04 Edge 3.0 with 48,000 miles.

Also note that the Edge (2004) that I test drove before I bought mine had 88,000 miles and made the same noise in the same gear(s).

Is this just a common noise for rangers?

 

mine has been doing it forever. Dealer says it is normal for the Mazda tranny. Mine got real loud right after I changed my slave. Now mine starts out like a dieseling grind that fades to the gurgle, and like yours it is worse when the temp is below 20. It is so loud now that I m considering trading for an f150.

 

It seems to me it's just the way the gears mesh, either that or the way the shift forks ride on the syncro. Maybe there is just a tiny rough spot on the syncro that makes the noise and amplifies through your shifter. I also notice it sometimes. You might try synthetic ATF (yes ATF in your manual as specified by Ford) to see if that helps you. VTFX4 mine isnt' near as loud as your in anyway, as you describe it.

 

Yeah, mine got real loud after I cahnged the slave. Maybe it got worse from because I bumped the tranny around, or maybe because I used some crappy Pensoil ATF. I will switch to synthetic to see if that helps.