Ok so I have a 81 Ranger Lariat with a 302 V8. issue I'm having is the truck will turn over for 1-2 seconds and then sound like its binding up. But, if the truck in neutral it fire and stay running I believe the transmission is a AOD trans maybe? 3 speed auto. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

I would start by looking at the linkages.

 

So let me ask you this. Would this cause the engine to make a binding sound in park when trying to start the truck?

 

Your transmission is a C6. I'd be looking at the neutral safety switch.

 

So the only wires to the transmission is to a NS54 safety switch but according to the wiring diagram its sole purpose is for the reverse light. Everything seems to check out on the switch. With the switch unplugged the truck still not start in park only in neutral. Is there another neutral switch somewhere like on the steering column or something? Pulled the trans dip stick not really the bright pink I was looking for also smelled kinda burnt would there possibly be something internal that failed causing all these issues?