Hello everyone,
I have a 2002 ford ranger edge. swb, 3.0L, 5spd. I have been noticing it is getting harder to shift gears, put in 1st at a stop light lately. There is no grinding just seems harder to engage.Checked fluid level and it is clean and full. Recently i have developed a vibration under power. let off the gas and smooth as can be, apply throttle and starts vibrating. Anyone have a similar issue? Not sure if flywheel is "hot spotted" or perhaps broke a spring on pressure disk. Just seems odd it's only under throttle. Yes already checked rear end and U-joints. Any advice,suggestion, or input is appreciated.

 

If you have more than 30k on the tranny lube, I would change it, even if it looks good. You can't do a visual inspection for viscosity or other important fluid properties.

My '91 Ranger was a little hard to put into first whenever the clutch reservoir was low. Check to make sure the clutch fluid is at the right level. Of course, first and third gear weren't exactly easy on the '91 Ranger (even when new) or '98 Explorer, which seems to be a feature. But, every time it got more difficult to put the Ranger in first, I knew the clutch fluid was low.

Does the shifter feel sloppy at all? There's a shifter bushing repair kit but if the bushing were worn excessively, I would expect you might also have issues with other gears. It's not difficult to change or expensive. Search youtube and you'll find videos. I changed it on my Explorer (160k miles) hoping to fix a somewhat belligerent third gear, but the bushing was fine. Never had a need to change it on the Ranger in 170k miles. Some people have bushings that fall apart and others don't.

Does the vibration happen in a particular gear, at a particular RPM or at a particular speed (mph)? Did you check the slip yoke for excessive play? How about transmission mounts? All the suspension bushings in good shape?

 

Just by your description I'd say the clutch is about gone.
Under power it's slipping.