Hello. I recently bought my first Ranger off craigslist with a supposedly ruined transmission. It only will drive in reverse and when put in drive it doesn't even feel like it makes a connection like it does for reverse. I have another transmission to swap, but I was wondering if this had to do with electronics/solenoids or something else completely. Anyone have any idea whats wrong and or how to fix it?

 

Most likely the Forward one-way clutch is bad, requires full rebuild, but no crystal ball here, there are a few other problems that can cause that but all require the rebuild

Computer controlled transmissions will still work without a computer hooked up, it will shift hard but will still shift.
The solenoids make shifting better and smoother, solenoid problems can cause shifting issues while moving but not putting in to gear problems.

Get a new torque converter as the old one will have debris inside from the failed transmission, no you can't flush it out, if you use the old torque converter you will just send that debris into the next transmission, possibly causing it's early failure.

If this is your first automatic install
MAKE SURE you seat torque converter into next transmission ALL THE WAY before installing transmission on to the engine
Torque converter must seat/line up with the input shaft and Front Pump or damage WILL occur when bolting trans and engine together

The very best $60 you will ever spend for any vehicle with an automatic transmission is for a 2nd trans cooler, heat KILLS automatics, primary cause for failure
As an example, most car makers add trans cooler as part of the radiator, now when you are going up a hill the engine/radiator warms up as does the transmission fluid, so very little cooling for the trans is available.