i have a 1998 ford f-150 with a 4.2l 5spd some times when i push the cluch down and shift it does fine other times its hard to get into the gear iam trying to shift to i have to play for a second to find the gear whats the problem????

 

Is the stick sloppy or is it just being balky trying to get it into gear? Is it hard to get into 1st when stopped when you step on the clutch? How far up the pedal travel is the clutch engaging? How many miles on the truck, and is it the original clutch?

 

its being i guess balky its hard to get it into any of the gears... 1st is hard to get into gear when stop and when moveing. If you push and play and wiggly it will go in but is hard..it seems like half way down. 95,000 The guy told me that the clutch was replaced not long ago....

 

Sounds like a clutch problem to me, but I could be wrong. Your syncros could be going out...

 

I think a lot of people complain about the shift of the manual transmission. I know the Mustang stock shifter left a lot to be desired. My son replaced the stock shifter on his 04 GT with a B&M shifter and there was a world of difference.

 

Balky like that is often a sticky pilot bearing. Easiest way to get it into 1st is this:

When coasting down to a stop, put it in neutral and release the clutch. When you are almost stopped - doing about 2 mph - step on the clutch and it should slip right in.

 

Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. A low level indicates a leak. Try bleeding the clutch.

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Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. A low level indicates a leak. Try bleeding the clutch.

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