I just got my 2000 Ranger 2.5l 5spd. And i've noticed when you put it in reverse after going forward, when you let out on the clutch, it feels like there is a little play in something. Also, going down the road, you can let off the gas, and then press it again, and there is a little clunk (no noise) like something has a little play in it (it will also do it if you are going any speed)(I've really noticed it if your going slow and let off, then mash the gas again). Anybody know what it might be? The truck has 138k miles on it and thats the only problem i've seen. What could it be? Maybe the U joints? I havent had a chance to look at it yet.

 

Most likely a u-joint.

Easy enough to tell with a 5 speed.
Neutral, parking brake set, grab drive shaft and rotate back and forth.
Should be able to see and hear it.

They are the same age, so I'd do both while you are doing it.
That's just me.

 

i noticed the same thing with my truck a week after i bought it. i let it go ignored for about a month until it felt like it was getting worse. it would do it from a dead stop also. i eventually took it back to ford and it ended up being the driveshaft. of course it was under warranty so they just replaced it but i havent had a problem since.

 

Ok, I put it it neutral, and twisted the driveshaft.....it would rotate maybe 1/2 inch or so......the U joints seemed to still be good. I let my dad drive it, and said that what it had was about typical for a manual (he said you'll feel it jerk more than you would with a automatic, cause it dont have anything to dampen it like you do with an automatic). Keep in mind, i've only been driving a manual trans. vehicle for about a day now, so I dont know how its suppost to be. I still got to get good at drive a stick.

 

mine does it also, teh feeling feels almost like a bad tranny mount on an auto, just a little bump you can feel in your seat, when you take off from a light and such or speed up

 

Mine does it once in a while, someone told me that it was because of the alumn. splines wearing off, and they get loose....

Rocky

 

i dont know... i dont think mine does that.. maybe i just havent noticed