hard to shift into gear

[chorb]

I own a 02 ford ranger 4x2, manual 5 speed, 3.0L with just about 50k on the odometer; within the last 1000 miles or so I've been noticing that it been more difficult to get the transmission into the lower gears. It feels like I have to force the gears to match, like the syncro isnt working; However, at other times it slips into gear like butter. I've noticed that it is usually 1st 2nd or 3rd gear that give me the trouble.

I did a few searches and I think my model truck uses a Mazda M50D-R1 M transmission and unfortunately this info popped up along with that transmission model:

The hydraulic clutch, slave cylinder/throwout bearing is another item you should pay close attention to. After time, the slave cylinder fails to release the clutch completely. If you are having trouble shifting into 1st and reverse while stationary or if your truck creeps forward with the clutch pedal depressed the slave cylinder/throwout bearing is probably at fault. Unfortunately there is no easy fix here as the transmission must be removed to replace the combination slave cylinder and throwout bearing.

That sounds expensive, is it necessarily bad if I keep driving it the way it is?

If anyone has any other ideas of what could possibly be wrong with my truck please feel free to let me know.

 

[Jahee]

Maybe your gear-linkage, my car had this problem.

 

[woodie1]

Unless abused, manual transmissions last a very long time. I would suspect you have a clutch problem. I don't know if yours has any adjustments but do check the fluid levels.

 

[Zenmervolt]

If it is the slave cylinder causing the clutch to drag, you will shorten the clutch life. You will also wear the synchros and make the problem worse over time.

If the clutch is indeed dragging, you need to have it fixed.

Chances are though that it's not terribly expensive to drop the transmission on that truck. Maybe $500 or so.

ZV