Ranger Trans Question

[zipperhead]

This weekend I pulled the trans out of my 4.0 manual 4x4 Ranger because the trans was stuck in gear. I got it out of the truck & onto the bench, pulled the top plate off & started digginig around. Well the gears shift great by hand into every gear, no problems there. So I start messing around w/ the shift forks & they seem frozen, they will not slide back & forth or anything. My question is could they be frozen in their bushings (seems like a long shot) or could the rods be bent( I dont know if this a common problem w/ these trannies). Would a tranny shop fix something like this or telll me to get a new one? If anyone in Santa Barbara County has any leads on shops that are willing to deal w/ small problem please let me know or anyone knows the solution let me know, thanks in advance! Also the tag on the side of the case says F-17 & what is the best fluid to use in this thing beyond auto trans fluid?

[zipperhead]

C'MON?! 24 views & no help? OK thanks anyhow.

[OldStroppeTeam]

I am not an expert on Ford Tansmissions, my experience however , is that there are a number of bushings in the gear clusters that wear oddly, causing misalignments. When you start to have problems like you describe, it's time to have it rebuilt.
I have had this done on 2 bronco II's , so my info is good......Best of Luck. !!

[zipperhead]

The gear clusters are good, the shift forks are the problem, they dont move at all in the guides in the top plate. I see if I can get a tranny shop to see hats up. thanks!

[johnowhite]

Ask around the gearheads in your area what shops are "Racer friendly."

The right transmission guy will look at it and give you a straight answer. (pun?)

If the forks don't slide, a fork or a shaft may be bent, requiring replacement. Another question that may need to be answered is how the fork or shaft got bent in the first place.

I've rebuilt and worked on a few transmissions and there are a lot of friendly folks out there that need to make a good living (so respect their time) and want to help.

Hope this helps.

John

[zipperhead]

Thanks John, as to knowing how it got bent I have no idea. I traded my old beat POS Ranger for this one straight out of the junkyard, if I knew how to post pics I would show you the one w/ the truck 15' in the air on the forklift coming out of the junkyard, set it on my buddies trailer & took it home.