***EDIT 3.0L V6, not 4.0L***

Howdy Folks,

TLDR

1) 2003 5-speed 3.0L V6 4WD

2) Competent at driving manuals

3) Have to JAM shifter into gear when at a stop

4) What is wrong????

I just recently (this month) bought a 2003 3.0L V6 4WD Ranger, Edge body style with a 5 speed manual transmission. I bought it at 120,000 miles in a good clean condition. As can be expected, I am in the process of learning the truck. My past two vehicles (over the span of 7 - 8 years of driving) have both been either 5-speed or 6-speed manual 2 door cars. They were fun and of course had a short shifter when compared to the Ranger. I've never driven a manual truck before my Ranger; however, I've always heard that they tend to require more effort to shift.

Since buying the Ranger I have noticed a concerning problem with taking off. If I'm at a stop after driving, I go into neutral for obvious reasons. When it comes time to shift into first to take off...It is a PAIN IN THE REAR END. I have to JAM the shifter into gear. Occasionally, the gears are nice and it will pop into place very easily, but not often. It is the same case if I try to put it into 1st, 2nd, ..., Reverse while at a stop after driving. Once I jam it into gear, I can then easily shift between gears while at a stop; however, disengaging the clutch 'resets' the problem. Most of the time, when I have just turned on the Ranger, shifting into 1st or Reverse is easy. While driving it is a much smoother shift between all gears, but they do require more effort than my previous 2 door coupes. Also, with the truck off, I can easily shift between gears, no problem.

The following two threads also closely describe what is happening:
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/drive...nsmission.html
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/intro...g-problem.html


Soooo...Yeah. What do yall think is going on?

To avoid potential questions:

Yes I am engaging the clutch completely when I am shifting (at least as far as the pedal will let me.)

No I have not taken it to a mechanic yet, as I wanted to see if it is a potentially easy fix and at the very least get a potential diagnosis first.

I have not checked the clutch fluid yet, plan on doing that when I have some light.

3 things I can think of..
Start with the easiest... check linkages, any points where the shifter moves.

Clutch could need to be bled, but highly unlikely unless a new one was put in not too long ago.

Lastly, bad syncro. Sometimes when this happens they will shift smoother as the trans gers warmer.