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I have a 1992 Ranger XLT manual transmission which has recently started breaking down on me.  It started with my first long drive (hour long) when I lost pressure in the clutch.  Now I've completely lost 2nd gear (it just pops right back into neutral) and the whole system shakes terribly and sounds like its going to fall apart.  Reverse also acts funky and barely functions.  We did notice possible leak spots recently and suspect its transmission fluid.  Any ideas?  I know these transmission were supposed to have lots of problems.  Any fixes short of completely replacing? Thanks in advance  

The most common leak on that trans is the rubber plugs on the back of the shift cover.
They can be replaced with metal cup plugs.But it sounds like youve got bigger problems
than a leak.Aside from obvious syncro problems those trannys eat counter shafts and input shafts.How much is that vehicle worth to you?You might want to try your luck with a used unit.
They run about 3-5 hundred.At least they used to.I once rebuilt one and on a long trip it leaked completely out of oil and blew up.So i went through it again and it did the same thing.I ran the thing all day and ran it on the lift for 8 hours and never found the leak.finally i had to buy a unit.And i had done many in the past with no problems.  

is the transmission out of fluid.????????   it will affect the way it shifts...  but making noise... you may have already damaged it...

the clutch master cylinder has a separate tank for fluid... DOT 3 brake fluid... it is on the firewall between the brake master cylinder and the fender ...  DOT 3 brake fluid ...

there is more info over at    www.therangerstation.com...    you might find some of their info helpful...

it's really hard to tell exactly whats going on... as you are describing several problems... that may or may not be related...