so, this has been an gradual problem for a couple of months, but on my 97 ranger xlt 2.3 4cyl, 5 spd. with 75k on it. the clutch pedal goes all the way to the floor and only takes about a half inch of movement to reengage the clutch. as of yesterday, even with the clutch pedal depressed all the way to the floor, I am having a hard time getting the truck into gear ( like it requires a lot of force and when it does finally go in, it feels "rachety".) so based on what i know, I assume that this is a clutch cylinder / slave cylinder problem. I also have heard that the slave cylinder on these trucks are inside the bell housing, unlike most trucks, so you need to drop the trans to replace them, obviously i would like to avoid dropping the trans, so is there a fix out there or key things i should heck before i go dropping the trans?

any input is appreciated. I am a clutch/trans noob. Thanks in advance.

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The Danger Ranger
1997 2wd 2.3 I-4 5 speed stick, xlt, 63k original miles.

First thing to do is put your head down by the clutch peddle and look for fluid. Then check on the slave cylinder by looking through the view port on the bell housing and look for fluid there.

To test the master cylinder disconnect it from the slave where the line goes into the bell housing. Use a screw driver and carefully push the plastic ring into the slave and it should pop out. Push the clutch peddle. Hard = good, soft = bad.

Sounds like the slave but you can check those things and report back.

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2003 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 Off Road 5-Speed 4.0L V6

First thing first, check the fluid. If the fluid level is even a 1/2" low it can cause your symptoms.

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Checked te clutch fluid an it was a bit low. Before adding any I followed the line from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder and couldn't find anything that looked to be leaking. However I added dot 3 fluid and took her for a test. And the pedal has come back a little and now she shifts smooth like it used to be. Not sure where the fluid went? Could it have used some in the last 18 years? Maybe worth a trans pull just to check things out? Thanks.

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The Danger Ranger
1997 2wd 2.3 I-4 5 speed stick, xlt, 63k original miles.

Been there done that. Probably leaking from slave cylinder inside bell housing. You won't find a puddle until clutch dust has saturated.

I didn't even think of that. Well. Not sure if I'm going to let It limp until summer with it leaking. Or if I'm going to have the time to pull the trans this winter. But if I do, I'm going to replace the clutch/ bearing/ master and slave. Put some health back into he.

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The Danger Ranger
1997 2wd 2.3 I-4 5 speed stick, xlt, 63k original miles.

So I took a short in the dark and thought maybe I had air in the lines from when the master was low on fluid. So I took a shot at bleeding the system from the bleeder on the slave. I pumped the clutch pedal a few times and propped it against the floor. And then cracked te bleeder and got mostly fluid. Then went to repeat and now It's worse. By worse I mean the clutch pedal now does not disengage the clutch at all and I can not shift. Ideas?

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The Danger Ranger
1997 2wd 2.3 I-4 5 speed stick, xlt, 63k original miles.

Air locked you have to have someone work the pedal while you bleed the system.

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2014 F150 xl 3.7 6 speed auto.

The only way to bleed the master cylinder is to pull it out and bench bleed it. The way the line is routed makes any other method infeasable. You can go on YouTube and there is an excellent video showing you how to bleed it.

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2003 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 Off Road 5-Speed 4.0L V6

Update: I found a small leak down by the pedal now. And also the slave started to show a bit more leakage. I guess after 18 years the lot is going. So I am pulling the trans tomorrow. Going to put in a new slave and master. And while I'm at it. A new clutch. Any words of wisdom as to getting the master out? And the system bled?

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The Danger Ranger
1997 2wd 2.3 I-4 5 speed stick, xlt, 63k original miles.

Best way to get the master out is to get your belly over the radiator on the engine to be able to twist it out. Helps to have a friend to get it back in. Buying a pre-bled master is helpful too.

For the rest all I can say is take your time and torque everything properly.

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2003 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 Off Road 5-Speed 4.0L V6

or just pull the drivers side inner fender. its right there.

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Thanks for the replies about the master. But right now I'm stuck getting the trans out. I can not get the top bolt that holds the trans in. I can barely get a rachet and socket on it let alone getting it loose.

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The Danger Ranger
1997 2wd 2.3 I-4 5 speed stick, xlt, 63k original miles.

Is the truck in the air? Remove the mount and let the weight of the the trans pull itself down a little until you can get a long extension with a swivel socket maneuvered up in there. Then take an impact gun and pull the trigger once the bolt is in there. Works like a charm. I've pulled the trans on my truck before and that was the easiest way, I've also pulled a trans on a 95 thunderbird which had TWO bolts at the top. Quickest way in and out right there ^

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Yes. Truck is in the air. I tried letting the mount off and the trans sag down. I'll try the swivel trick too. Will report back with progress.

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The Danger Ranger
1997 2wd 2.3 I-4 5 speed stick, xlt, 63k original miles.