I have hauled 1150 pounds of wire in the bed and it hauled it fine. Do you think this is an excessive amount of weight for a ranger with a 2.3L with a 5 speed?

That's alot of weight for a small truck. I would not recommend doing this very often. A 1/2 ton full size truck is designed to haul this much weight. Your Ranger has a small clutch and a lightweight axle, plus small brakes. My guess is the clutch would give up first if you continue. Don't haul this load in 5th gear. This will really stress the driveline components.

I totally agree with junior. That is alot of weight for that truck. Just because it can haul, doesnt mean you should push it. But hey, you got a FORD, so therefore you have one of the best trucks on the road. If you have to haul a heavy load like this in this truck again, take it easy and dont get into high gear.