I have a 93 Ranger 4x4 with 4.0 and 5-speed. Coming home from work the other nite, I noticed it was starting to whine - loud in 1st, and progressively quieter as I shifted up. I checked the fluid this morning and basically found it empty. I added a quart of the proper ATF, but it still whines. Will this go away after I fill it up? Is this something terminal, or will just be a irritating noise?

 

Run it for a while to see if the noise goes away. If it was empty for a long time, you may have fried a bearing. Try to isolate the whine. Does it make noise in neutral with the clutch out, or is it only when driving? If so, does the noise go away with the clutch in? Just a couple of quick checks to try.

 

That's easy to answer!! It whines only while driving. If you leave it in gear and hit the clutch while moving, the noise continues until you shift into neutral, then starts up when you release the clutch.

 

the 3 plugs up on the shift rail leaked the fluid out and you now have about $800 worth of transmission problems (if you pull it yourself) and a couple of hundred more if the shop does it. Only cure is to either get it fixed or just keep monitoring the fluid levels. If you get it fixed, make sure that the shop does the 5th gear also as I had mine done and about 30000 later 5th went out and that was another $400 plus the time to pull and replace the transmission (I did it myself). Also R&R the clutch assembly to include the pilot bearing, I got the clutch at autozone so they replaced it when I pulled the trans the 2d time. ALso R&R the slave and probably the master cylinders while you are at it.

I also changed over to synthetic fluids at this time.

 

Sounds just wonderful! Think I will convert to the OD automatic if this trans goes - and just baby it for now! I'll see if it's any better tomorrow after I add more fluid!

 

going to the auto may not be as easy as ya think. cost of the auto, swap out the shifter system, probably change the computer to one for an auto so that the shift points will work etc. You may also need to change final gear ratio to one compatable with the auto.

I am sure someone has done it hopefully they will let ya know what all is involved, but I am sure it is not just a straight change over.

 

Figured it might be a bit of work - and lots of parts - assuming need trans, torque converter, probably a flywheel, floor shifter, brake pedal assy, and possibly a computer - just trying to come up with an idea if it's worth it or not! I AM getting tired of shifting, and our 91 Explorer pulls the long hills TONS better/easier/ faster!

 

Really weird - I filled it up - still whines. but no leaks! So is this bearing whine terminal - something I need to take care of soon, or just turn up the radio and live with it?

 

Cant say might last a long time might not, but if this is your daily driver I would recommend that you get it fixed/changed fairly soon. If ya can get it in early enough you might not have a lot of repair just to the mainshaft and 1st.

If ya keep it make sure they put the metal plugs in instead of the plastic ones.

 

Oh well - I need to pull it to replace the clutch - 180,000 miles is pretty impressive - so guess I can fix it then. It is my daily driver, with no backup at this point. Fortunately I don't put too many miles a day on it!

Bearing fairly easy to replace with basic tools and mechanical abilities???

 

Cant say am not that daring to try. Took mine to a trans shop for repair. he replaced the mainshaft, as well as 1st gear and the bearings associated. he also looked at the rest, 30000 later OD (5th) went out, so take a look at it also.

Lotsa luck.