Got a real mystery here (for me at least)
 

Hi,

I have a manual 2000 Ford Ranger that I have experienced "sticking", I guess you could say, a couple times after sitting a couple days in below freezing weather.
First time, about a month ago, it felt like I was trying to move with the parking brake on (of course it wasn't). So slowly giving it a little more gas with each attempt and switching between first and reverse there was finally a large bang and whatever tension that was holding on released and I was able to drive away.
Second time a couple days ago it got below freezing again and experienced the same problem. This time though after the loud bang and release the truck stalled and now nothing, not even any electrical, won't start at all.

Any ideas as to where I should start looking would be great, thanks.

Well e-brake can freeze in place if it was ON and then released, but not if it wasn't being used.

But you could have a bad slave cylinder in rear drum that is locking up, not releasing pressure after you stop and park, so is frozen in place when you try to move it after a cold night.

The electrical issue should be a separate thing.

Get a volt meter and check battery, key OFF
12.3v to 12.8v is a good battery
12.2v and under is a failing battery, cold weather means battery is about 1/2 as good as when there is warm weather, its a chemical thing, so most batteries are replaced in the winter months because that's when you notice the low amps because of the cold.

Remove and Clean battery cables at the battery

Open engine fuse box and look for larger fuses, 50 or 60 amp, check them, they power the truck electrics, i.e. ignition switch and cab fuse panel
So no power going into cab means no starter motor or dash lights