Stats:

1997 Ford F150 XLT 4x4 4.6l V8 with a manual transmission.

Problem:

Several weeks ago I noticed while driving and shifting gears some times the gears would clash (the grinding noise.) I would immediately pull back off the gear shift, let the clutch up, and try again w/no problem.

This has happened every blue moon years ago but my solution was the same as above. Lately this has been going on far too much for me.

In the last week I've noticed the gears difficult to get into from a stop. To go into 1st takes a little effort. To get it into reverse is nearly impossible. I have to force it and listen to the gears clash.

My first thought was the clutch was going out. On my way out to lunch I peered under the truck and noticed fluid had leaked out of part of the tranny just before the drive train links into it.

There is A LOT of fluid streaked there. I've no idea when it's been leaking since I've not been living at my home since 09/20 and I would generally not notice fluid stains on a hotel parking lot.

Question:

What the hell is wrong now? Is it the clutch or did a seal bust on the tranny and allow the fluid to drain?

How much am I looking at to have the tranny dropped and a new seal put in (assuming that's what it is.)

All comments/answers are welcomed!

 

I'm certianly no expert here but I would like to pass on my opinion, if you don't mind.

These manual transmissions aren't of the best design. I have heard of a few weak points they have.

If I had to guess what's going on with yours, I would say that you have a leaking slave cylinder. I have been told by a few people that this is a common problem. I'm pretty sure that it would exhibit the syptoms you're getting.

I'm having issues with my truck as well, and I've asked a couple people what they think it would cost to have a clutch done. I believe that the slave cylinder would be replaced as well as the clutch. I get the impression that we would be looking at around five-six hundred.

Like I said, I'm no expert, so don't take my word for it. It might help you to head in the right direction though.

Good luck.

 

->believe that the slave cylinder would be replaced

Well damn and hell!

I was hoping it was just a gasket breech!

So far other than the events described above I've not had that much trouble with the clutch at all.

Late september I just put 100k miles on my truck!

 

I had problems getting into first and play with the clutch for reverse. One day I was pulling into a Lowes and shifted into second and the shifter went to the seat! Needless to say I had the tranny replaced $2200 later.... That happenned at 53000 miles. Have done no towing or off roading (4x2)? Have heard lots of people using a synthetic tranny fluid in the 5 speed. So after doing what needs to be done to fix the leak change the fluid cause that will help with the shifting, look into the gear synchros too. Good luck.

 

Good news guys.

I took my baby to the dealers and it was not as I suspected.

it appears the clutch master cylinder wasn't secured on the boot 100%. They filled and bled the system for $70+.

Now my gear shifting is alarmingly much easier. I suspect this problem has been ongoing since I bought the truck because it's easier to use than 5 years ago.

 

Had a 2000 F-150 2x4 It was a Lease had 4.2 and manual tran. with 3.55 gears. My truck was doing it at 5000 miles all the way to 36,000 when I got rid of it. My solution trade it in broke the dealer never knew.

It was under warranty to get fixed but who cares about a Lease anyway. Not Me!

Anyway I'm now paying to own my truck thank god.