Transmission issues

I have 1996 Ranger with 2.3 4 cyl with a 5 speed tranny. Tranny started acting up not letting me down shift from 3rd to 2nd now it won't up shift to 2nd an on occasion will kickout out of reverse and lurch forward. Any ideas????

Sounds like your synchros are acting up. Drain your gear oil and pass it through a coffee filter. If you see a lot of metal shavings, that's probably what it is. If that's the case, the transmission has to come out for some serious repair or replacement

Thanks for the advice another tranny maybe in order friend told me to check the shifter connections but now I'm doubtful of that.

drained the tranny only had 1 1/2 cups of fluid, found the shifter bushing missing awaitng a replacement if this doesn't help looks like another tranny.