97 Ranger 4 banger clutch problem
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Joined: Apr 2002
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97 Ranger 4 banger clutch problem
My ranger only has about 35k miles on it, but it feels like whenever i shift from neutral to first, it sort of drops in to gear and jerks whenever i shift. I know i'm not letting off the clutch too much because i've driven stick for a while and know what it feels like to let it off too fast. I am wondering how i attempt to replace my clutch, because i want to save money and do it myself. Also, i was wondering if it would be a good idea to put a cold air intake on my engine to gain some horsepower. Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: USA
97 Ranger 4 banger clutch problem
I'm not too sure about replacing the clutch on your own cause I've never actually done one myself yet. But I think I would check your clutch fluid resivoir, master cylinder, and slave cylinder first. Always seems that people are having problems with those. Also, with the cold air intake I don't think you'd get a huge power increase, possibly 10hp at max? But might get a cool sounding intake out of it. If you do enough bolt on stuff then you'll have some noticable hp gains and even better running and gas milage. If you really want to start building bigger and better hp and torque from your engine, wait until your truck loses its warranty if it hasn't yet and start changing parts out like the crank, cam, porting and stuff. But for the average person, just the bolt on items will keep em happy. Hope this helps a little and goodluck with the clutch problem.
James
James
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Joined: Nov 2001
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97 Ranger 4 banger clutch problem
Are you the original owner? If not, the previous owner could have been a BAD driver, and rode the clutch all the time and downshifted through the gears every time he/she stopped. I think I may have gotten stuck with the same situation. As for the cold air induction, I did it, and it's awesome. I actually noticed a difference in acceleration in my tiny POS 2.5L cylinder and added a cool sound when I "got on it". However, my gas mileage went down. Typically it goes up, but I went from 24 average to 22 average. But it pays for itself when you can successfuly merge into a highway 
If you like, I can get you some instructions on how to build one for less than $30. Also while we're talking about clutches, does anyone know how to read an inspection plate on the clutch? I was under there and I popped off the rubber piece to see it, but I had no idea what to look for. Thanks. -Kevin
If you like, I can get you some instructions on how to build one for less than $30. Also while we're talking about clutches, does anyone know how to read an inspection plate on the clutch? I was under there and I popped off the rubber piece to see it, but I had no idea what to look for. Thanks. -Kevin
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Hyden USA
97 Ranger 4 banger clutch problem
If you have never put in a clucth I would't advice you to try it unless you have a trans jack and a lift for the vehicle. The trans is a little heavy and working on the ground sucks. Take to shop and let them do it, it might not save you money but it could save you time and headaches. At our shop we can put a clucth in a 2wd 4 cyl. for probaly under $100.00 if every thing goes okay. Thats labor and not parts which my not sound like much after spend all weekend trying to get the bellhousing bolts started.
Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,521
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97 Ranger 4 banger clutch problem
I've replaced a number of clutches over the years, usually in my driveway using jackstands and a small floor jack (I have a small collection of the little wooden aleignment tools). For your first clutch, I'd advise buying a good manual and making sure you understand what you're going to have to do. I put in my own clutches because, like many users of this site, I just like turning wrenches.
If you have a buddy with experience - recruit him to help you out. You can learn alot by doing your own stuff, but do your homework going in. If you're not sure you're ready to try it - pay a pro.
Either way - good luck.
Dono
If you have a buddy with experience - recruit him to help you out. You can learn alot by doing your own stuff, but do your homework going in. If you're not sure you're ready to try it - pay a pro.
Either way - good luck.
Dono
