Over the last month or so I have noticed sometimes that when I put my P/U in park if it's on any kind of a incline it will sound like it's slipping a couple of cogs before it engages in park. I have looked underneath and from what I can see there is only one cable coming down to the transmission that looks like it can be adjusted. Also when I go to start it in park it will sometimes start and sometimes you have to shift into neutral to get it start, and when you go to put it in drive you have to go past drive into 2 and them back to drive. I have read where there is a white plastic mechanism below the steering column that can give problems also. The transmission works fine it's just that the linkage seems to be off a little. Any ideas? Thanks

 

Its more likely to be a problem in the Column shifter linkage, very common on Ford trucks, not just Rangers

Google: ford ranger column shifter

There are ALOT of video How-Tos on what gets loose
Fix is usually just tighting 2 screws under the dash

But it can be shift tube bushings which is a harder fix

The adjustment on the transmission linkage is a long shot to be out of alignment
You can check the shift cable where it bends up to go thru the firewall to inside the cab, the sheath can split, so cable range is reduced.

 

Hats off to RonD for all the information on the "Column shifter linkage". The two bolts on the column were loose and once tightened it works fine. A bit of advise though when I went to replace the bolt after putting locktite on it I had a hard time getting it to start in the threads, so I tightened the other bolt and then backed it off a turn and a half and the 1st. bolt went right into the threads. Did the same thing with the second bolt , no problem. Once again thanks!!!

 

Good work

Thanks for the tip and update