Tranny Troubles

cspeir · #1 07-01-2009, 04:16 PM

2000 Ranger with 76k miles, standard tranny.
Now my problem is that when the transmission is under a load in first or second gear, I'm getting very loud clatter. I thought it might have been coming from the rear end because I had a leak and the gear oil was low, but I got the leak stopped and while I had the cover off, I checked for metal shavings and found none. I rode in the back up a steep hill, and now I believe the noise may be coming from the transmission area. The clutch is getting pretty worn but, it's not slipping at all yet.The universal joints are also ok. Does anyone have any ideas? I'd really like to not have to take it to the dealership because I'm not working with a whole lot of cash at the moment. As usual, any input is greatly appreciated!

Grrranger · #2 07-05-2009, 09:12 PM

Take a close look at the u-joints, front to back. Jack the wheels up off the ground too and work the driveline back & forth by hand.

98blownranger · #3 07-06-2009, 07:14 AM

u joints it would be time for them anyway

cspeir · #4 07-06-2009, 11:59 AM

i just replaced the front u-joint by the transmission about 5K mi. ago. this sound really sounds like metal scraping metal. i just don't know. i'll put her back on the stands and recheck the joints.

98blownranger · #5 07-06-2009, 02:29 PM

the rear joint is the one that wears out faster

Grrranger · #6 07-07-2009, 09:09 AM

Metal to metal scraping usually leaves some evidence. And drivetrain noise has a tendency to transmit from one place to another easily. While you have her up on stands you might pull the rear drums off and take a look at all your brake parts too.

cspeir · #7 07-08-2009, 06:30 PM

The noise just seems to be too far forward to be anywhere near the drums. When a clutch gets worn, does it tend to make noise? Its not slipping -yet- but it does engage at the end of the pedal. Could that have anything to do with it? I've been considering just going ahead and doing the clutch, because it'll be time to do it soon anyway.

Grrranger · #8 07-10-2009, 09:10 AM

I just put a clutch in my 2004, and it made some similar noise for awhile. I thought I was going to have to pull it apart again & look at the pilot bearing, but it quieted down. For mine there are two pressure plates available, one is an automatic adjusting set up and the other is a plain straight forward old school type. If I remember right the auto adjust was considerably more pricey too.

You don't have a transfer case to deal with, so if you have space, tooling and reasonable mechanical skills you should be able to replace the clutch in 6 - 8 hrs without too much trouble. Your worst case scenario might be some warpage at the flywheel, which while not good would explain your noise.

Grrranger · #9 07-10-2009, 09:13 AM

Also, when you go for parts, opt for the clutch kit - comes with pressure plate, slave cylinder and disconnect tool, pilot bearing and disc. The slave cylinder is also your throw out bearing.