A Ford Ranger's shifter knob is mostly a cosmetic item. It's essentially a handle used to move the transmission in and out of gear, no matter if the ranger has a manual or automatic transmission. The knob doesn't need to be removed as part of any repair procedures, so replacing it is mostly part of revitalizing the Ranger's interior look. This would include changing the knob to match customized trim or seat coverings.
Look for a white plastic insert at the base of the shift knob. Remove this insert, and if it resists, try pulling it out with needle nose pliers.
Heat the base of the knob with either a blow drier or an industrial heat gun. Be careful not to burn or scorch the knob, but get the material soft and pliable.
Tap the knob off the Ranger's gear shifter. This can be done by placing a wood block beneath the knob and hitting the block with a hammer. If you try tapping the knob off with just a hammer, you could damage the knob.
Heat the bottom of the replacement knob, and the hole in particular, with a blow dryer or heat gun. Get the material warm enough so that it's pliable.
Ease the knob onto the top of the Ranger's gear shifter. Then, place the wood block atop the shifter, and tap the block with a hammer. This will get the knob all the way onto the shifter.
Allow the knob to cool off.
