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  #1  
Old 11-26-2010, 07:47 PM
Enigma54139 Enigma54139 is offline
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Exclamation 1998 Ford Ranger XLT; shift knob removal.

Hi, im new to this forum. I obtained my Ranger about three months ago and whoever the previous owner was decided to put the wrong kind of shift knob on there. As we all know its a 4 speed manual and he has it set up as a 5 speed, maybe to trick thieves? However, im babying this Ranger and i want everything perfect on it. I've researched its numerous times on how to remove it and all im getting is "once you take it off, it will be hard to put back on" i dont understand how this applys considering he obviously had to have changed it. Can anyone give me tips on how to remove this as safe as possible and possibly link me a shift knob that will work in my Ranger as well have the 4 speeds and reverse on the top right hand corner. thank you.
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  #2  
Old 11-27-2010, 04:32 AM
whitesonj whitesonj is offline
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Default Re: 1998 Ford Ranger XLT; shift knob removal.

... You have a 1998 Ford Ranger XLT, with a four speed manual transmission, that has the reverse gate to the right and up?

That's strange.

Umm.. I'm pretty sure the shift pattern should look something like this:



.. Unless I'm missing something.


The factory knob is removed by heating it up.

If it's a cheepo aftermarket knob there is most likely a set screw towards it's base (might be hidden by a trim ring).

There's also the possibility that it's threaded on if the po decided to take a die to the shift arm.. But that'd be a major pia since it's splined, so I doubt that.

Otherwise, there may be adhesive holding it on...

Do you have a picture of this shift pattern challenged shift knob?
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Old 11-27-2010, 09:50 AM
Enigma54139 Enigma54139 is offline
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Default Re: 1998 Ford Ranger XLT; shift knob removal.

I do not have the truck currently. My buddy has it and is doing some mechanical modifications. its weird how its place it is exactly like yours, but it has a D instead of the 5 with a white circle around it. and its only a 2wd. i dont think that matters though ha.
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Old 11-27-2010, 10:25 AM
Skylark65 Skylark65 is offline
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Default Re: 1998 Ford Ranger XLT; shift knob removal.

that stands for overdrive ( OD), AKA 5th gear, which i've seen on quite a few fords with a manual trans.
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Old 11-27-2010, 10:29 AM
mazdab2300 mazdab2300 is offline
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Default Re: 1998 Ford Ranger XLT; shift knob removal.

ya its over drive the same thing as fifth but it has absalutly (i cant spell) no power or torque with it.
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  #6  
Old 11-27-2010, 10:32 AM
Enigma54139 Enigma54139 is offline
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Default Re: 1998 Ford Ranger XLT; shift knob removal.

So i apply heat to take it off? And would all knobs work for this truck or are there only certain kinds?
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  #7  
Old 11-28-2010, 04:27 AM
whitesonj whitesonj is offline
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Default Re: 1998 Ford Ranger XLT; shift knob removal.

The pic isn't mine, it's from another Ranger forum.

Overdrive and 5th gear are commonly referred to as the same thing. It's use is really meant for highway cruising though.

And realistically, any shift knob can fit any shifter. It's just a matter of if it will fit properly.

I would believe that the Ranger shift knobs are interchangeable.

Using heat is the way to remove the original shift knob. You can use a blow drier (if it's got enough balls) or a heat gun. Just be careful not to destroy it in the process. You would apply heat to the circumference of the knob for a minute or two, drop a towel or rag over it, then pull upwards while twisting. If it's not moving apply more heat.

But, if it's OE vehicle accuracy you're looking for, I think you've already got the correct knob on there.. If it looks like this:

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Old 11-28-2010, 05:31 PM
Enigma54139 Enigma54139 is offline
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Default Re: 1998 Ford Ranger XLT; shift knob removal.

alright thank you very much everybody. i got a new shift knob and anything works perfectly
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1998 ford ranger, knob, shift knob, stick shaft

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