Tranny/Clutch issues

About 3yrs ago (60k mi) I started having what I thought was a clutch problem, meaning that my shifting was very hard to get into gear (all),
I had a new clutch installed and the problem was exactly as it was with the old clutch. This was during the cooler months, I live in south Alabama where it doesn't get extremely cold. As the temperature started to rise, the problem seemed to go away. Now a couple of years later as cold weather arrived, SAME PROBLEM! I've read that this clutch is not adjustable as it is hydraulic, however it is bleed able. Can anyone tell me how this is done properly? I've also read forum topics that indicated possible synchronizer issues and some simply say to change my tranny fluid with a Dextron II.
Can anyone shed a little light on this problem? Thanks for any and all help.
95 Ranger 2.3L w/5spd 190K

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I have a 97 same problem when cold, I live in mich. it gets very cold here, was hard to shift into 2nd, good trans shop told me to put in mobil 1 syn. trans fluid, did help alot, he told me 2nd gear sycro is worn. shifts good enough now to leave it alone. if your slave is getting weak can cause this also. you can bleed them but I never did it so someone who has can help you with that.

Follow the clutch hyd line to the slave cylinder. Should be a bleeder fitting to do the trick. Open the fitting and let gravity do the rest.

Rangers, heck most manual Fords have plastic bushings at the base of the shifter. They get worn and poof! Hard to shift. This is especially in 2nd & reverse. You will need about 6 pieces that the Ford dealer keeps in stock. It will run about $70 but it will free up the shifter. My 94 is having the same problem now and I have the pieces but haven't had time to do the work. One obvious sign is when you are in gear say 5th gear look at your shifter. If it's bouncing around say more than a half inch that's your problem.

Hope this helps!

mine locks up sometimes and I have to jiggle the shifter back and forth before it will go, it will also grind reverse sometimes. when I accelerate the shifter moves a noticeable amount. it's a 1994 ranger xlt 4x4 v6 4.0

There ya go. Course the ultimate cure is a Hurst shifter but that wayyyy down on the list. Get those pieces for the shifter and see. Especially if you haven't changed the clutch. If you are about to get the pieces. The shop will have to remove the shifter anyway.

Bill said:

Follow the clutch hyd line to the slave cylinder. Should be a bleeder fitting to do the trick. Open the fitting and let gravity do the rest.

Click to expand...

OK, Bled the clutch... Now feels like a new clutch and tranny.. THANKS! I was starting to sweat over this one. Never been much of a clutch guy, and what little I have dealt with were not hydraulic. Thanks Again!