What's causing the clutch to slip?

[steveofthenw]

Hello to all you Rangers,
I'm new to the forum & I've got a problem: My girlfriend's '93 Ranger 4x4 with a manual transmission & the V6 has an issue with clutch slippage. This is a low-milage (73000 & I'm not kidding) vehicle that, according to the GF, had a clutch installed fairly early in its life at about 35000 miles. I've got no experience working on these things.
The clutch began slipping a very small bit about 2 months ago & has steadily gotten worse, to the point where it has effectively become undrivable.
The last time I tried to drive it I got a whiff of clutch plate but the clutch is not grinding rivets or making any of the usual wear noises. Shifting isn't notchy or anything. I'm wondering if the clutch cylinder is at fault? I don't have anyplace to work on it so it's gonna have to go to a mechanic.
Anybody got any ideas? How much labor am I looking at?

 

[4x4junkie]

Sounds like the classic symptom of a worn-out clutch to me.
Only way to find out is to drop the transmission (doesn't sound like a hydraulic issue anyway).

Guessing a shop would charge around $500 to do a proper clutch replacement, but I don't know for sure (I've always done my own). Best to call a few places.

 

[RangerX]

I agree with junkie.
Also, 3 clutches in 70,000 points to your GF not using the clutch well. Maybe she rests her foot on it?