Hard to shift-mechanically.

[racsan]

My dad has a new to him ‘99 or 2000 (forget which) 2wd 2.5 shortbed auto and its hard to shift, isnt the cable as he had that replaced. Any thing to look for or be aware of? He isn’t familiar with the ranger chassis and Ive only had manuals (except for that one 3.0/auto that wasnt on the road for long)

 

[franklin2]

Ohio is bad for rust isn't it?

 

[racsan]

Yes it is, the body of this truck isnt too bad. It has a bit on the lower edge of the tailgate but Ive seen much worse.

 

[4.0blue98]

My 98 was terrible to shift for a number of years. I finally replaced the plastic NSS/ range selector mounted on the side of the transmission where the cable meets the transmission and all smooth now.

 

[snoranger]

Replace the transmission range switch.

What happens is the shaft coming out of the trans rust-jacks the plastic sleeve in the range switch. That’s what makes it hard to shift.
Buy a new range switch and compare it to make sure it’s the right one. Unbolt the old one and break it into pieces to remove it. Knock the rust off the shaft and clean it up with sand paper. Install new switch and adjust it in neutral.

 

[racsan]

That was the issue btw. Dad took it to a local garage, dont jnow why he didnt wait for the weekend for me to look at it.