Hi, new to the forums, but I had a question on what this could be. It doesn't happen often (not every time I go from neutral to first), but my Ranger pops and then lurches as if I'm slamming the clutch back and not giving it enough gas. I know this isn't the case because I'm not doing anything different than how I've been driving this Ranger for the past 4 years. It only seems to happen from neutral to first gear and from being completely stopped to starting.

I just replaced my clutch as of 10 months ago. I'm at a loss of what it could be, if anyone has any ideas - I would gladly take them and try to check on what you think the problem could be. I just don't even know where to start.

 

I am not sure I understand you description but did you replace the pilot bearing when you replaced the clutch? A bad pilot bearing can give symptoms similar to what you are describing. Did you install a good quality clutch?

 

+1 ^^^

Clutch disconnects engine RPMs from transmission RPMs

Transmission always spins at the same RPMs as the rear wheels, no disconnect for that

When stopped transmission is a 0 RPMs
Idling engine is at 700 RPMs

So any "lurch" could only come from higher RPM side, i.e. engine
Clutch disconnects engine from transmission so.............clutch issue

Yes, pilot bearing isolates transmission shaft from Crank shaft RPMs, so if binding it would usually make trans hard to shift into 1st, may be a lurch

Ranger's hydraulic clutch system is notorious for getting air trapped inside
The angle of the master cylinder can get air trapped at the top so can't be bleed out in usual procedure.
Has to be pulled out to bleed it, or you can release air while it is in place by removing the "C" clip at the top that holds the piston in place, allow piston to come up a bit which releases any trapped air then push it back in place and reinstall C clip

This video describes that method: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd1KDCAhTLc