I inherited a 96 4.0 ranger 5 speed that I was told is locked up....when I turn the key, it just bump/stops...like you had a metal pipe threw the flywheel not letting it turn.....question is, is their a couple of ways I can check to know 100%....could it be bad starter?
any info will be helpful, thanks in advance
(Owner is passed so I have no previous info)

 

Remove the 6 spark plugs
Try starter again, it could be hydro-locked(fluid has leaked into a cylinder and piston can not compress fluid, just air), removing the spark plugs lets whats inside out, lol

If starter doesn't turn engine after that, then try turning it by hand, socket wrench on the crank pulley bolt, you can try turning engine both ways, won't hurt it

1990-2000 Rangers had the 4.0l OHV engines, they are non-interference engines, so at no time do the valves and pistons occupy the same space, so they can't hit each other

 

Will do....I let you know what I find, thanks

 

No luck, still nothing
Actually took starter off and took it to autozone and its good to

 

Can you remove plugs and / or turn the crank pulley bolt?
Not much to go on.

 

I did remove the plugs, still won't turn the engine....

 

I know, but have to ask, transmission in neutral?

Is there oil showing on the dipstick?

If an engine is run with no or low oil the main bearings will get too hot and WELD the crank and block together, as that happens the RPMs start to drop to 0 and crank will never turn again, in either direction, until crank is removed from engine block
Often called a "spun main bearing"

If a connecting rod or piston breaks, or a Valve falls in you can usually turn the crank one way and then the other between the broken part(s), can't go full circle but crank moves