I got the 96 ranger and there's a whining sound coming from tranny when engaged in gear is it torque converter?

 

No probably not, but possible

Torque converter and Main Pump(inside transmission) are always spinning at engine RPMs so if problem was there it should whine when engine is on, and noise should change to match engine RPMs

In gear?
Does than mean "in gear when stopped" or "in gear and moving"?.

Not alot of parts in an automatic(or manual) transmission are spinning when stopped

If whine is when moving does it match wheel speed or engine RPMs?

 

I believe my transmission just went out today I have no power in gear can i put a manual in it is it hard what do i need

 

Better to repair or replace the automatic

For manual conversion you need new computer and wiring harness from manual trans Ranger, match year and engine size, and a manual transmission matching engine size, there are no adapters, exact engine match needed, and a 2WD or 4x4 manual whichever you have, they are different
Flywheel, matching engine size(maybe new starter motor, depends on the year)
Clutch, pressure plate and slave
Clutch/brake pedal assembly
Clutch master and reservoir
Steering column from manual Ranger

2WD would need driveshaft from manual Ranger, matching Regular Cab or extended cab, 4x4 wouldn't

Better to fix the automatic, sell the truck and buy a stock factory manual truck, if thats what you want