The ranger is running a really high idle, and stumbles until warmed up. It literally sounds like its about to blow a head gasket one second, then the RPMs drop so low it nearly dies the next. It sound to me like there is a vacumm leak that is causing the fluctuations...
Unfortunantly my friend has misplaced the code reader so until that is found im working on speculation...

I have never really gotten involved with this truck much because i dont like it (i have no tolorance for 2wd trucks, sorry guys) so therfore i dont know much at all about the quirks of the 4.blow engine.

All that being said, what are common causes of vacumm pressure leaks on these engines?

You mention a code reader...is it throwing a CEL?

I had to replace a piece of the hose to the evap canister on mine last summer, it ran OK but was popping the light and the hose was pretty weather-checked.

Can't remember for sure, but I kind of think I've heard of a few people having issues with the intake manifold gaskets on those engines.

*Idle issues could also be caused by the IAC, TPS, or a handful of other electronic components- does it have any other symptoms?

Yes its throwing up a CEL ..it was coming on and off intermitantly and i figured it was a loose sensor, but now its on constant and the engine performance has deteriorated.

No other symptoms that i can think of other then the high idle and the stumbling after starting...i will be listening/feeling for more on the way home today and let you know.