It’s called a “grille guard” " grille protector", or deer killer in Northern Idaho And the" step ups "under the door, for easier ingress and egress of the vehicle, or also “running boards”

Hello fellow Ford owner, I’m an avid Ford lover of these model years. It would help to know what engine you have on your classic truck. No time in changing a water pump have I ever had to pry a timing cover , whether it be on the 302,351,352 fe, 360fe, 390 fe, 400, 427 fe,428 fe, 429, or a 460. If you could elaborate on your engine size, and a little more detail on what happened. I will do my best to assist you.

I had a few do this to me,it’s a toss up between a new shift solenoid pack inside the transmission, failed torque converter, or a new transmission. When all else fails, save yourself the headache of tracking it down, get a new tranny. Good luck to you!!!