Suggestions for '94 Manual Trans Noise

My '94 5-speed Ford Ranger truck with 109K miles on it originally belonged to my daughter. Once she got back from Iraq she gave me truck as she could not afford the gas to go back and forth to work. Anyway, the manual transmission now seems to be having a problem and I'm looking for some suggestions as I do not know very much about trucks. The manual transmission has a E97A sticker on it.

After it warms up, a scraping/rattling noise appears to be coming from the transmission when it is any gear. Goes away in neutral. It also becomes harder to put in gear, especially reverse. I check the fluid level and it's right at the filler plug, although the fluid does look a little dirty. The reservoir under the hood is at the right level.

Am I looking at major $'s transmission/clutch problems? I could change the fluid if you think that would help/fix the problem. Appreciate any suggestions. Jim C.

Truck is in the shop now having a clutch job done. They told me it was a '95 engine and trans in the '94 body. Haven't figured that one out yet...

i would of started out with a fluid change. let us know how it goes.

bikerboy

Bikerboy. I wish it was that easy. It needed a clutch, slave cyc, and a little machine shop work. The noise I was hearing was part of a bearing/bushing that was coming apart and the little pieces were rattling around.

The transmission itself appears to be OK for now. It took the shop 4 tries to get the right clutch that would fit. It's home now so all is well.

Next will be to get rid of the A/T 15" tires on it and go back to smoother riding 14" ones.