Fuel filter has been on a few years, before I moved, has less than 5000 m9iles on it, was running great until the transmission was replaced, so I have money in it, or I'd get rid of it.

 

Now you have given me a good clue. The wiring harness at the rear corner of the engine needs to be thoroughly inspected. During the transmission installation it could have been pinched. The harness may also have not been secured properly and it is close to hot exhaust.

 

Mark check the boots on your coils. I didn't replace mine when the plugs were changed. I put a heavy coat of dielectric grease on them but it didn't work. They started arcing to the heads & did the same thing your van is doing.
My POS Ranger has crapped out again. Two burned valves on a Ford long block with 40,000 miles on it. I will never own another Ranger. My F150 got 5 mpg more fuel economy. It was roomy& comfortable to drive. It preformed & handled a hundred times better. I learned my lesson. Rangers Suck.

 

I went over the wiring and everything after the trans install, n a van, thats all you really have access too, as for checking coils, can't, you gotta strip the top of the engine to get at them, it's under the dash, thats why I paid big bux years ago for plugs at the dealer. I plan to pull the doghouse when weather is good, and dad is around, check everything on the back of that junk again, I'd sell it, but what ever I get, I gotta pay dad back for the transmission, he paid for it, even when I said NO, I'll not be getting a damn dime for it's sale now, which I need for some things to make the 73 a daily driver. I'd like to put a gauge on the fuel rail first, to see if there is a shortage.

 

It's all good Bro. Just giving you another thing to test.
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