Sensative Clutch?
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New User
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Sensative Clutch?
Hi. I'm new to Rangers, just bought a 1996 STX 4wd 5-speed. The clutch seems very sensative to me. What I mean is the first copule of days driving it, I cut out numerous times like I didn't know how to drive a manual tranny. Are Rangers known for this?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
My old 94 was as normal as any other vehicle I've ever driven. If all of your clutch action occurs with the pedal down near the floor, there's a good chance you have air in the system. Check the fluid level next time you're under the hood.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I'd call it more sensitive than a car clutch. Driving several manual cars, then driving two Rangers, my 4.0L and one of my friend's 2.3L, I notice it's a lot easier to drive and more sensitive than a car clutch. I.e. you can drop it slowly just fine and have lots of control. I'd say the first inch or two off the floor has no effect what so oever, as does the first inch or two down, rest is a good proportional clutch on/off area.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Noth Georgia
I've had 5 manual rangers, and 1 courier. The courier was a cable clutch, and the 83/4/5 was external slave hydraulic clutches, all acted about the same, 2/3 in to completely disengage the clutch, engagement started about 1/2 out.
96 and 99 is different, neither bought new, internal slave. 1/2 in, complete disengagement, 2/3 out B4 engagement started. Testdrove 02, clutch about the same.
I think its something about the different pivot point, or lack thereof. Since the internal slave cylinder slips over the input shaft with the throwout bearing mounted directly to it. There is no movement lost/gained by the clutch fork pivot position.
96 and 99 is different, neither bought new, internal slave. 1/2 in, complete disengagement, 2/3 out B4 engagement started. Testdrove 02, clutch about the same.
I think its something about the different pivot point, or lack thereof. Since the internal slave cylinder slips over the input shaft with the throwout bearing mounted directly to it. There is no movement lost/gained by the clutch fork pivot position.
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New User
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I don't think the clutch is going bad.....not slipping at all. I think it's just something I need to get used to.
Good stuff guys. Thanks.
Good stuff guys. Thanks.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Ventura ,ca. (near L.A.)
Recently i detailed my engine and sprayed it down with some formula 2001 to make it nice and shiny which is what the dealer does. And for about 600 miles my clutch was really grabby which i think it got some of the formula 2001 on it and it took some miles to burn off. I think it took that many miles cause i went on a long trip with minimal shifting right after i cleaned up the truck.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2005
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My clutch acts the same
I also have a 96 4.0 liter STX 5-speed 4x4. This vehicle has the most sensitive clutch of any vehicle I've owned which includes 5 other stick shift trucks/cars. When cold, the clutch always slips for the first few miles of driving. There is little engage/disengage travel - the clutch is either engaged or disengaged so it's very difficult, if not impossible, to "feather" the shifting (if you are familiar with that expression). The clutch on this vehicle tempts me to switch to automatic transmissions on my next vehicle.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: B'more
I've had probably two dozen manual shift vehicles over the last 25 or so years, including trucks, cars and motorcycles. IMHO, the clutch on my 93 Ranger (2.3L M5OD) is completely average in 'feel' compared to any of them. Certainly no worse then anything else, and quite a bit better then many.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: North US Border, Canada
Well I find the Rangers have a clutch with a lot of grab, I have a lot of friends that drive manual cars/trucks of many different makes and almost everyone of them has stalled my truck, repeatedly before getting the hang of it. Is it a lack of them using the friction point properly? or are they going from cable to hydraulic? who knows. One thing is for sure I've driven easier clutches than my rangers but I have no problems with mine. I'd say you'll simply get used to it.
Madmike33
Madmike33
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From: marble falls,tx
I have found that if you will just bring it up to about 2500 rpm's and dump the clutch and "mat it" you will make as pretty a start as John Force and all your S-10 friends will die with envy..... and thats a lot smoother than a normal start...SCRAP
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Maine
When it isn't acting up (another story...) the clutch in my '97 is pretty easy to use. It's the throttle that makes it a little tricky to drive if you aren't used to it. Pedal is low to the floor, and stiffer than most.
My friend has a 2000 Ranger, and although the clutch feels about the same, I do have a little trouble with the first start or two when I drive it (don't stall, just not as smooth as I should be) because the gas pedal is higher off the floor, and has a lighter spring.
My friend has a 2000 Ranger, and although the clutch feels about the same, I do have a little trouble with the first start or two when I drive it (don't stall, just not as smooth as I should be) because the gas pedal is higher off the floor, and has a lighter spring.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Ventura ,ca. (near L.A.)
My clutch feels just like it did before now that the formula 2001 is burned off. It feels average just like everyone else say. Probably the easyist clutch i even used was on my dads 2000 chevy s-10 that had a 4 banger. The clutch pedal had about the same amount of resistance as the gas pedal which actually drove me nuts, cause i usually have my foot barely touching the clutch when i'm going through the gears and you couldn't do that on his cause it would slip. As far as the friction/sweet spot goes, the truck with the shortest sweet spot i've found is the nissan's with a 4 banger. My friend in high school had a 1992 and it was easy to stall and anyther friend had a 2001 and it was the same way. You let the clutch out and all the sudden it there and gone. It made it hard to take off up hills. My ranger i just leave my foot on the brake and let it out halfway and it holds it till i can get on the gas.