Hi, I am a long time Ford truck fan but just got my first little truck. It is a 1994 Ford Ranger XLT (Extended Cab). It has a 5 speed manual transmission. Anyways I drove it home after buying it and it made alot of weird noises in the transmission. Plus the gear shift has a ton of play in it even when in gear and today if finally just gave out... the shift is just completely loose and I can't get it into any gear at all. What does this sound like? Something loose in the linkage or transmission gone out? Thanks for any insight or help!
Rusty

 

Sounds like your transmission ran out of fluid. The 5-speed manuals in the about 1992 & up Rangers have issues with the shift rail plugs seeping fluid as the trucks get older. I have replaced them on my truck already. I would first start by checking the fluid level and condition in your transmission. If you do a google search for Ranger shift rail plugs you'll find plenty of info.

 

the recomended fluid is Mercon.