I just got a 97 Ranger 5 speed stick with the 2.3 L motor. I have replaced the Mass Air Flow and the IAC and the DPFE to clear a couple of codes. Last owner had a mechanic replace plugs and wires . Tail pipe is clean and truck does not smoke or use any oil . Sometimes it will start right up and idle fine ,,, some times it will not start at all ! When it does start you have to give it a lot of gas peddle to get it to move ,, acts like it is starving for gas or spark or air. Runs ok in first and second fair in third but has no power in fourth and fifth ! I have a EGR code PO401 and ordered a new EGR valve and EGV solenoid ( not installed yet ) . I also get the following codes but I do not think they would cause the problem (PO500 speed sensor,, B1450 wiper delay,, B1352 key circuit and B1371 entry ) not sure if the B1352 key circuit could cause this problem. Anyone have any bright ideas ???????????

 

Spooktn if you saw my post about my non-running '88 2.9, I had a very similar situation and tried some of what you have, with no luck.
So, gave up and took it to a local shop. After I waited 2 weeks for an 'apointment', they kept it another 3 weeks (I posted about that, too).
But then to my surprise called and said the F word (Fixed). It was the Engine Ground Strap ("incorrectly installed" which would have been 20 YEARS AGO when I had a crate engine installed?).
So it took 20 years to go bad and start causing problems Lol!
They also put a Fuel Pressure Regulator on it (said it was dumping unburned gas into the crankcase).
So, did an oil change, too.
Total cost was $400 (could have been A LOT WORSR), so I am happy that she now starts and runs LIKE A TOP.

 

With the vintage of this puppy & its unknown maintenance, repair, or use history, scheduled maintenance items like air & fuel filters, dry rotted lines to the EGR DPFE sensor, or the sensor itself, belong higher up on the suspect list, unless you know for sure the EGR valve is rusted out & falling apart, or its vacuum diaphragm is leaking, same for its vacuum switching valve you've ordered, as they rarely fail before their vacuum lines or the DPFE sensor, or it's feedback orifice or high temp silicone hose heat cracks, or gets clogged with carbon. So don't install the new parts until you check the lines to the DPFE & test the DPFE sensor & the fuel pressure regulator.

If you know the fuel filter has been changed recently, gauge test fuel pressure & delivery rate over time, to make sure the fuel psi & delivery rate are ok, (On the 97, make sure it's fuel rail mounted pressure regulator diaphragm & its diaphragm vacuum line are not leaking fuel into the intake manifold & corrupting fuel trim.) Disconnect the FPR vacuum line to see if its wet with, or reeks with fuel odor, or the pump electrical system isn't laying down on the job with low or intermittent Operating voltage to the pump.
KOEO fuel pressure on your 97 should be 35-45 psi & not quickly bleed off. KOER with FPR vacuum line Attached 25-35 psi. KOER with the FPR vacuum line Detached & Pugged, 35-45 psi.

A bunch of beginning thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find.

 

BUMP:
If you do have EGR system problems, have a look-see & read on how to test system components here, Ttt36 (tomco-inc.com) & let us know how it goes

 

I fixed all the EGR problems ( EGR Valve and soliniod ),,, had some bad vacuum hoses and changed the fuel filter. I also saw that the timing belt was in bad shape so I replaced it and put on a new crank sensor while I was there . Did not want to not replace it being it is so hard to get to ! Starts and runs fine now ,,, have a few little tweaks to make . Thanks Pawpaw and everyone for your help !!!!!

 

Ok good finds, fixes, feedback & to hear its doing better. Keep tweaking things & it'll likely respond favorably.