Ford Repair: Screwey Speedometer, ford ranger xlt, little bugs

Question
Erik - have a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT, 4-cyl. and the speedometer is acting strange.  It will work after you get above about 35 miles per hour but sits on zero until that time.  The transmission also takes a long time to shift out of 1st gear.  I was thinking maybe the VSS (if this year has one) or a poor lubrication problem with the speedo cable?  We just got the truck and don't have any prior history on when this started happening.  Trying to get all the little bugs worked out and need some advise.

Thanks!

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
I think you're on the right track .......thinking the VSS.
Your truck does not have a speedo-cable. The VSS is located on the rear axle. I would also suggest that you have the truck's computer system checked for fault codes.
Erik