I just bought a 91 ranger with the transmission in the bed of it ( its shot, ran without oil) I found a transmission that is supposed to fit i purchased it and looking at it it looks the same execept for the speedometer housing/connection and possibly the hydraulic-clutch quick-disconnect connection. The truck has a connection that is black an looks maybe a little shorter that the one that came with the transmission. ( the transmission connector was brass in color ) I cant seem to get the existing connector to engage into the replacement transmission. I have the entire transmission installed with this exception.
Has anyone had a similiar problem? Are these connections typically very hard to get back in? the transmission came with the quick-disconnect attached and about 3 inches of hydraulic hose and it goes on and off fairly easy.
Has anyone has the same issue?

 

I have had the same type trouble with trying to install a Mazda Navajo trans. in place of it's twin the Ford Explorer's trans. It turns out I had to remove the transmission a second time and transplant the release bearing and connector from the old trans. Also I remember (take note of this) that there is an easily missed bleeder screw on the release bearing that you'll likely need to bleed specially when and if you get it connected. From what you're saying it's almost like you'll have to try also changing bell housings (if they even swap over) to get the clearance for the connector. The other alternative is to get the clutch pedal and connector off the truck the trans came from - but from the way you worded it it sounds like they might have clipped it upon removal. Anyway they do make a couple non-compatible sizes to be brief.