When changing the neutral/backup switch on my 2004 Ranger(4.0l automatic), I removed the shifter rod and messing around trying to get the connector off, I bumped the transmission selector and it sounds like it popped out of PARK, presumably in to reverse. The truck is on ramps with blocks behind the rear wheels and the e-brake, which needs adjusting, is on.

Can I have someone step on the brakes while I go under the truck and put the selector shaft back on the transmission and regroup by removing the switch and then remove the connector.

Appreciate any insight you folks may have.

 

Yes, you can do that, the parking pawl is spring loaded so you should be able to move shift rod to Park position with the pawl actually NOT being set into a slot, so vehicle might roll a few inches or so when you allow it to roll before the pawl sets into a slot

Video shows how Park works:
Rear wheel drive has no chain of course