94 ranger clutch/starter problem

1994 Ranger seemed to be using a lot of clutch fluid bled clutch now is hard to start seems like clutch has a hard time connecting with starter has to be pused all the way to floor and when makes a thunk sound will start mom drives this truck & has a bad left knee very difficult for her to star she has to push really hard up to 3 or 4 times to get it to start any help would be greatly appreciated

Are you saying it is difficult to push the pedal far enough so that the starter motor will turn? ... or is it difficult to change gears?

Are you saying it is difficult to push the pedal far enough so that the starter motor will turn? ... or is it difficult to change gears?

Once truck is running, it is very easy to shift gears. Main problem seemd to be when starting

Does the clutch disengage when at stop lights or do you put the truck in neutral at stop lights? Using a lot of clutch fluid? Have you located the leak? Check the clutch pedal to see if it is wet. A leaking clutch master may drip fluid down the pedal. Check all the connections. Check the slave cylinder to make sure the seals aren't leaking. Are you saying that your mom has to pump the clutch pedal several times in order to build up enough hydraulic pressure? If this is true, then it sounds like the clutch master needs to be replaced.
I had a little trouble understanding the original post and am trying to be helpful. It would be helpful if you could use a little punctuation, it would make your posts easier to read and understand.

Perhaps the only design feature of my Ranger that I don't care for : .. the hydraulic system for the tranny clutch.

Thankfully it doesn't require much maintenance ... last a long time ... but when it fails, it can fail "big time".

The master cylinder is very accessible and hopefully it is your problem. I agree with Kim. I would probably just replace the master cylinder on the hope that it will cure the problem.

And if not ...

The "slave" (or "operating") cylinder is a different matter. It usually comes complete with return spring and thrust bearing ... and it is mounted inside the tranny bell housing. You can't replace it (slave cylinder) without separating the engine and tranny.

Replacing the slave cylinder new should be done whenever the clutch disc and pressure plate are replaced.

Perhaps that is the correct fix for your problem. Find a good neighborhood shop that will do the whole job for you .... do the complete clutch system and the hydraulic component replacement. Bet it would be $500 or less.

Good luck!