Had this 1998 2.5 I4 for 9 years still cant find out what it is.

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Ever think of going to a Ford garage and asking them?

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I think it is a vacuum line that has been sliced. Look for the other end that is cut to match. Use some rubber tubing as a 'union' or patch to connect the two parts together.
There are multiple things that it could operate and affect. Look on the radiator support or the underside of the hood for a vacuum line diagram and perhaps identify. Finding another Ranger with the same engine, etc should allow you to figure where it went originally.
tom

Thats exactly what it is. I forgot to post that I found it. I took the wheel well off for the first time since I got it, and was able to trace it back. The fun part is trying to find a replacement. Im almost doing an official overhaul on the ranger and am starting to work on the vacuum lines. Fun part is actually finding parts online

I would not bother trying to find an exact duplicate. The lines are selected based on cost and ease of assembly. In 99% of the cases, you can use a length of rubber vacuum tubing slipped over the damaged ends and you will be back in business.
The one hose/tube that seems to be OEM only(AFAIK) is the one leading from the DPFE to the exhaust port. Gotta connect to a HOT pipe, and melting is not an option. If you lose/break/damage one, it is not cheap to get a factory replacement. The vacuum lines, OTOH, are not exposed to the same thing. They are all about a 'package' of engine & transmission that can be slipped into place and connected without having stuff getting snagged. That's the reason for some 'things' being the way they are.
tom