When you go to bleed the new system, don't push the pedal.

Either bench bleed the master before you install it, or buy a pre-bled master system.

The slave cylinder will gravity bleed just fine. Pumping the pedal doesn't really help, and might actually just introduce more air into the system.

As for getting the top bolts out of the bell housing, when I've pulled just the transmission, I've removed the drive shaft and rear transmission support to let the back in sag, then used a really long (like 24") extension to get to the top bolts.

When I pulled my engine, I was able to get to the bolts from the engine bay, but I'm pretty sure we had already removed the upper and lower intake manifolds by the time we disconnected the transmission.

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT
Extended Cab
3.0 Flex
4x4
Manual Transmission
Offroad Package

Did this work for you? I am having the exact same problem on my 98 ranger. About to pull the trans tmr and replace the slave cylinder.

My 91 ranger just started this problem. Did replacing the slave and master slave fix yours?

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1991 Ford Ranger XLT Regular Cab.
3.0L V6 5spd
CB Channel 19
Handle is ranger91

The slave cylinder has to be bench bleed a vise and helper is needed. Allow the air to escape.

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Charlie
Dont fix it unless it's broken or you really bored
2000 Ranger XLT 4X4 4.0 now 5 speed manual trans

1993 Ranger XL 4x2 3.0l Auto

The slave can be gravity bled. It's the master that really needs to bench bled.

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT
Extended Cab
3.0 Flex
4x4
Manual Transmission
Offroad Package