i don't know if this is the right section to post this, but i was driving down the highway in 4th around 65 mph, started up a hill and started to slow down so i down shifted to 3rd, i wasn't paying attention to the speed and went into 3rd around 55mph, got loud then i didn't have any power in the top end of any of the gears, i pulled over and popped the hood, i didnt see anything out of the ordinary but the motor would shake every few seconds, i took the back roads back to my house, no ticking or thumping from the engine, only the shake that happens every few seconds, anyone have an idea of what i did to the engine? thanks in advance

 

Good to include the year of the Ranger, especially when there were 3 different 2.3l engines in Rangers
1983-1988 2.3l SOHC Lima with distributor
1989-1997 2.3l SOHC Lima EFI dual spark plugs
2001-2011 2.3l DOHC Duratec

1993 2.3l?

1989-1997 used timing belts, how old is yours?
If power is now limited it could have skip a tooth on the belt at high REVs
The is usually an inspection plug on the timing belt cover you can use to check timing
Or test compression, expected is 150+ psi, under 120psi means it skipped
Or test Vacuum, 18-21" is expected, under 15" means low compression

Once compression is off the table you can look at fuel or spark issues
Clogged exhaust or clogged intake air flow also reduces power