Need assistance troubleshooting M5OD-R1

[Animosity]

First off, Hello guys! I have been lurking these forums for a little while, ever since I made the decision to purchase this Ranger. I hope to become something of a regular fixture around here, seeing as this is my first truck and I have been wanting to get into them for a while.

Ok so a little history: I bought a 1990 Ranger 5 speed for 600 bucks. The catch is, there is "something wrong" with the transmission. The guy I bought it from is about as far from a 'car guy' as you can get, so I didn't get much info. Only thing he said is that it just happened. yesterday ran fine, today slips like a ****.

Here is what I know: truck turns over, idles fine in neutral with the clutch depressed. if I let out the clutch it sort of grinds? I guess thats the best description. it won't kill the motor, it isn't that bad, just loud.

If I shift into 1st, it basically does the same thing. I'll baby it off the clutch with a little gas, and it catches for a second at half clutch, then slips. Same story for all the gears except 4th, for whatever reason...

So, I am kind of at a loss. I am no mechanic, but I was thinking master/slave cylinder?

I appreciate ANY help, and thanks for having such a great community!

 

[Foxracin]

You need a trans or get yous rebuilt. Something went out in the cluster shaft in the trans.

4th bypasses the cluster shaft so thats the reason you still have 4th.

 

[Animosity]

Thanks Fox, I was hoping that wasn't going to be the case, but luckily I can get a replacement transmission for 120 bucks or so.

Maybe I'll post pics of my first transmission replacement project. (under the watchful eye of a friend/professional mechanic)