This happened after closing the hood after changing the air filter. Instead of closing and latching like it normally does, it made a loud banging noise when I tried to close it. I opened the hood and looked up, and noticed the striker plate fell out, and hood won't stay closed, not safe for highway speeds. There doesn't appear to be a way to re-attach it or even remove it, as it is located inside a small hole in the hood. How can it be re-attached? I searched google for Ford Ranger striker plates and they look nothing like mine. Here's what mine looks like. Truck is '94 Ranger.

Edit: I thought of a solution that was crazy enough to work. I simply drilled holes into the underside of the hood, and used bolts to hold the striker plate in place. Now the hood latches as it should. Thought I would share in case anyone else had this problem. Picture of repaired striker plate:

 

Dear 1994. Your post was very useful. I have a 91 Ranger and the same thing has happened to me. Tell me a little bit more on how you drilled holes in the hood and then the striker piece to reattach it correctly. What did you use to hold everything secure as you drilled. Did you do it with the hood still on the truck, or on a work bench. Thanks Uncle Buck