Difficult shifting, wheels turn with clutch out?

[skrylla]

On my '01 Sport 5-speed I've had a relatively difficult time shifting into gears for several years now... but it's been only a mild nuisance until recently. 1st gear has always required a little effort but recently, sometimes 2 and 4 are nearly impossible. For years, if I clutched/shifted too quickly into 3rd it would grind just a bit going in. Suffice it to say there's at least one thing going on.

I'd like to narrow the problem down so I have an idea what I'm in for...

Here's something I've noticed recently that I hope will help in diagnosing: Sitting on level ground with the tranny in neutral, if I press the shift lever toward any gear the truck will ever-so-slightly budge. The most noticeable forward movement is toward 1st, rearward movement noted when pulled toward reverse. It does not matter whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged; the same slight budge is there.

Clutch fluids appear normal. I haven't tried bleeding yet, but I'm guessing it's going to be more involved than that...

Thanks guys----------

 

[iwannabamedic]

I would say the slave cylinder is going bad, not allowing full use. or the clutch system has air in the line.
good luck

 

[clackkent]

Try bleeding the master cylinder - this can be difficult, but can be accomplished by removing it and the resevoir, straightening out the line and getting rid of the air through gravity. See this excellent video...

http://perfectionusa.blogspot.com/2005/04/bleeding-ranger-explorer-clutch.html

I'm about to do mine again in a few weeks

 

[RaveDigger]

My 5-speed does the same thing. I've generally not had a problem with it, but sometimes I need to fight it to get it in gear.