If the bull bar uses the same mounting brackets as the brush gaurd it bolts to the out side of the frame rails and uses one of the bumper mounting bolts.
There should be two screws right behind the both switches on the steering wheel and then the airbag and horn should come out. Atleast thats how it was on my 99.
When you say "Grinding" to a stop, I'm assuming that it only makes the noise when you are stopping. My Ranger was making a roaring noise and I couldn't find out what it was. I took my wheels and brakes off and check my wheel bearings and they seamed to be fine (no play or noise). I couldn't...
You have me stumped also. It "sounds" like a low fluid issue or maybe even a torque converter. My parents car had the same problem but with 1-2 and it ended up being the converter. There is a chance you could have gotten a bad one, converters can be a funny thing.
I haven't used that brand but I would assume that it would be close to the same as the Super Springs "ADD-A-LEAF" It actually adjusts to the amount of weight you put on your truck to keep it at the same height. Plus it is easy to install and no drilling of any kind. You might want to check them out.
I haven't put one on a Ranger yet but on some trucks you can keep the tow hooks and on some you can't. The brackets usually use the same mounting holes as the tow hooks. Sometimes you can put the bracket on and the tow hook on top of it. If you don't mind taking you tow hooks off then you should...
They make them. The part number from Lund (or Auto Vent Shade (same company)) is 37803. You probably can find them cheaper somewhere else but I can get you a set for $80 plus shipping. It is the same for all 2001 and up Rangers. They may not have a updated catalog. Let me know if I can be of any...