How come the stick on my 1993 ranger transmission feels like it is in neutral no matter what gear I am in? The shifter goes in and out of gear without any problems, however; when in gear I am able to move it left and right just like as if it was in neutral.

Stu

 

Hey their Stu

If you to pull the shifter out. Sometime the end of the stifter could be worn. You might want to look and find a spare transmisson to have on hand.It's a sign that things are getting loose, I betting you got 150 + miles on it. I have a 91 ranger with 4.0L 4x4 And I,m on my third transmission. I don't use the 4x4 much but have a large fishing boat. Getting back to your transmission When your driving put your hand on your shifter if it feels rough or if you've notice it is getting noiser ,it a sign that the bearings are getting pitted. If your mechanicly handy and have good tools you can swap out the tranny in 4 hours If all goes well.
The only thing that can play havic is the manifold bolts, Use a torch and heat before tring to losen.

AJ46

 

bad shifter bushings. i got too much runaround from my ford dealer trying to get new ones that i got a hurst shifter and its a all-around improvement.

 

I don't know which trans you have, but I had an 85 with the Togo Koyo 5speed that did the same thing. It was the shifter detent spring on the shifter assembly that had broken off. It also made shifting into reverse a bit of a chore - don't know if you are having that problem or not.