Will not engage gear

[dssranger]

I have the following problem with my 86 Ranger 4X4, It just happened one afternoon, I cannot engage the transmission when the engine is running. Turn off the engine and it engages any gear. I had to drive it when this happened. After starting out with the transmission engaged it does shift, but very hard.
I have 60K miles on a new clutch. I have the same on a rebuilt eng. So I need to repair it. I think it is the clutch master cylinder. But realized the transmission
must be removed for the hydraulic line is in the bell housing. I had an idea to go around this, Is it possible to cut the hydraulic line and replace the clutch master cylinder and then splice it back together with compression fittings?

 

[RockRanger]

Its eather the clutch master cylinder or it is the slave cylinder. There is a fitting on the line that can be uncoupuled so there is no need to cut the line. I believe it is next transmission. If it is the master then you can do it with out removing the tranny. if the slave is bad then you have to pull the tranny to replace it.

 

[gijoecam]

Indeed, it's a clear sign that the clutch may or may not be completely disengaging the transmission. This exact same operating condition could also be caused by a bad pilot bearing/bushing as well. If the pilot bearing seizes to the flywheel, it'll lock up the input shaft. Even if the clutch is working, it'll still try to drive the transmission input shaft.

-Joe