Couple of weeks ago, clutch starting making weird noises when I had clutch depressed at stoplights and such.

Last couple of days, tougher to get into gear, but not bad yet. I suspect the slave cylinder is not pressurized, as clutch still has plenty of torque and no slipping.

From what I understand, the slave cylinder is inside the bell housing on this 2.3L Ranger, and likely should replace that along with the clutch at same time.

Can anyone recommend what I should be spending on parts for this? I am seeking out a mechanic nearby here in Portland that can do the work unless anyone already knows of someone.

 

Just search around either locally or online for the best deals. Don't cheap out on the clutch or slave cylinder as they're labor intensive. OEM slave cylinder isn't a bad idea, but as far as clutch goes for stock replacement I recommend Exedy.

 

Is there a lot of rust out in your area? A 2wd 4cyl is a pretty easy clutch job to do. Maybe save yourself some $$ and grab a buddy and a 12 pack.

 

Found a good deal on a Luk clutch, flywheel, and slave cyl.

Found someone with own shop/lift and ASE experience, who is charging me $200 labor. (and even offered to lower price if it does not take him the full 4 hours)

 

I don't see why you need a flywheel, get it resurfaced.

 

I've never even resurfaced a flywheel before. Granted its not gouged from the friction disc. Just scuffed 'em up with some emery cloth. And never had any issues doing it.

 

Bought new, because cheapest I could find to resurface, was only $8 less than getting a new one.

 

Off Ebay? I bought I kit like that as well. Buy an OEM slave, the clutch itself is a good one, pretty sure it was a Luk to. I had to drop the trans in less than 30,000 because the slave stopped holding pressure.

 

Ok .. install went well, until trying to get pressure in clutch pedal

We bled entire system, still no pressure. Went to buy a new Master as we think that maybe since its also original, is not supplying enough pressure to the slave. We know there are no air bubbles in the system.