No the shifter arm and parking pawl is a simple device, no need for another transmission
You can drop the pan and replace any part in the shifter mechanism
However from what you describe it sounds like the trans is shifting normal

After checking that the issue is not the column shifter, then make sure its not the cable, then it maybe time to drop the pan and have a look. But before you do this maybe try shifting another Ranger/explorer trans by hand with the cable disco and see if your truck feels the same?

Here is a pic of a shifter mechanism inside the trans. Everything unbolts and can be replaced quite easily IF that is where the problem lies



to reset the cable/column shifter
first detach cable from trans
Put column in N
put trans in N
Adjust length of cable under truck with the big white plastic clip so that it matches the N position on the trans and then re install.

The column shifter and cable should be really loose and easy to shift with the cable detached from the trans. If not your issue is in the cable or the column

Last edited on Thu Jun 7th, 2018 09:15 am by 410customs