Hi all. Newb here. I've searched the web w/out satisfaction. I searched here before posting my problem.
I have an 88 Ranger,2.0 w/ automatic transmission. It has a floor mount shifter. It now only shifts using 2 hands. I've taken the shifter cover off to be able to do this.
When you push the button on the T handle on the shifter, a bar on the drivers side is supposed to go down in the slotted vane (i don't know what to call it) and when you push the shifter to the left you can then choose the gear you want. When you now push the button, you can feel resistance and see the bar start to go down but it fails to completely deploy.
I can lift the loose cover and depress the lever with my thumb of my left hand and shift the lever with my right and change gears. This a poor way to operate.
I'm guessing there is a spring in the handle or shaft. I have not gone to dealer yet. I can find nothing on the web except replacement from salvage yard.
Has anyone had this problem or repaired one? I could remove (break or file off) the bar in slotted vane, but a dog or kid or me could bump it kicking it out of park. Any help or idea's appreciated. Thanks!

 

Unless you can pull it apart and rebuild it, assuming you can find or make parts; you may need to get a 3rd party floor shifter.

 

check out the 2.3l mustang shifters I bet they're the same in that era