What ever happened to this im have the same issue in a 2000 ranger 5r

 

found it had a low/reverse drum w/sprag damaged. The guy never wanted to go any further with it. He is still driving it today but he has to manually start it rolling in low still.

 

Ford Ranger was working fine until I decided I needed to "rock it" to get it out of a snow bank. Presto Chango - the transmission no longer has 1st gear. The transmission works perfect except I have to take off in Drive 2. Once I'm above 10-15 mph, I can shift into D and it shifts normally including Overdrive. Normal deceleration on all gears except 1st. Reverse works. No unusual shifting issues. No smell of burned fluid. No visible pieces in pan. No codes being thrown.

So I liked the previous discussion on the valve body but before getting into the work, I wanted to do more research. Any thoughts?

 

As you have learned a defective sprag (another term for a one way clutch) is most likely the problem. The drum and one way clutch will need to be replaced.

 

yes hanky is right, got that one nailed on the head, SPRAG damaged!

 

Thanks! I think I'll just take it in for repair then.