My 1988 Ford Ranger is stuck in Park. Any help with this would be appreciated. Thank you

 

Not sure if the '88 had the Brakes applied switch , but with newer models you have to put your foot on the brake to shift out of Park.
This is an electrical release, foot on the brake turns on Brake lights and also sends power to the release solenoid on the shifter.
So first thing is to check...........are Brake Lights are working, if not check fuse and then brake switch.

If lights are working then under the shifter on steering column there should be a round plastic cover/plug, if you remove that and stick a screw driver in the hole you should feel a push button, if you push it in shifter will release.

 

I don't believe I have the brakes type of safety switch. My brake lights do work when I press the pedal. I have the "Custom" Ranger with the auto shift on the floor. I was able to slide a screwdriver down the side of the shifter rod and get it to release out of park but still need to use the screwdriver to put it back in park? I'm trying to find a shifter assembly print of the entire shifting mechanism to determine what if any part going from the thumb button that I depress to unlock the shifter from park down to the part that I depressed to unlock it. Its going to be interesting to say the least! If you know of a site that can provide a blow up of the shift mechanism that would help tremendously.

Thank you.

 

I doubt you will have much luck finding parts for that, but don't limit your search to Rangers.
Ford will use same floor shift design on other vehicles, Google: Ford automatic floor shifter diagram
Maybe you will get lucky