I have a 93 ranger with a 2.3L 4 and a 5 speed trans. I have replaced the clutch and pressure plate Because they were worn. I replaced the master, slave cylinder and hydraulic line because the Q.D. fittings were damaged. After getting everything back together, and bleading the system the clutch will not fully release. I am confident that all air is out of the system, and I have a firm pedal.
A mechanic friend told me, after the fact, that I should only use a genuine Ford slave cylinder and that I should replace the flywheel... Any sugestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

The info to replace the slave with genuine ford is bogus. I've used all sorts and never been let down. Are you still experiencing slippage? Have you machined the flywheel? If so it should be shimmed, but it usually only changes release position of clutch. Did you clean the surface of pressure plate b4 installing to remove coating? This can wipe out a new clutch disk almost immediately. Did you lube the shaft b4 installing slave? Is slave fully seated with the 2 bolts? Just a couple things that come to mind. Would really not even suspect Hydraulics since this would cause less engagement pressure on pressure plate. Oh yeah do you have clutch M/C rod adjusted properly? You could have it in between valve not allowing fluid transfer back to resivoir when off pedal. Hope this gives you some ideas.

 

My issue is not a slipping clutch, but one that will not fully disengage from the trans. I did not have the flywheel re-surfaced as it was in very good condition. I cleaned the pressure plate face, cleaned and lubed the trans splines. I just don't seem to be getting enough travel from the slave cylinder to fully disengage. Is it possible to shim behind the slave cylinder to gain the extra travel i need? My mechanic "friend" also tried to sell me a re-man trans saying the syncros in mine might be bad. I found nothing alarming in the trans oil, it was dark in color, but had no evidence of metal in it.

 

Sorry I think I just misread. There is one other trick I have used when bleeding those slave cylinders. If you pry backwards on release bearing/slave cylinder with large pry bar and hold while in while bleeding they will sometimes spurt that little bit of extra fluid that you need to get full engagement. Hey it's worth a try is'nt it?