I thought I did it all to cure the problem. Lukas didn’t work. Put a used certified transmission in for 800. Didn’t work cleaned all grounds didn’t work. Tried 4 new used computers . Didn’t work. Although a computer from a 99 worked one time ran mint shifted mint but second time used didn’t happen a safety mechanism in the computer locked out the truck fried the starter cylinder. Help!!!

 

Welcome to the forum

1996 Ford Ranger
What engine model?

Assuming Automatic, which in 1996 would be a 4R44E or 55E depending on engine model

 

2.3

 

You have a 4R44E automatic

"Hard shift"?
Does than mean all the "gears" work, 1 thru OD, but its not smooth shifting, its abrupt
That can indicate an engine issue, and Computer stays in "safe mode", but there would be Codes in memory and the CEL(check engine light) would be on
Can you check the codes?

Smooth shifting is harder on clutches and bands because they have to "slip" to make it smooth, but its normal wear and tear
If computer "sees" an issue it will go to safe mode to prevent any slipping at all, so shifting is abrupt, to avoid high wear and tear on clutches and bands