There is only general info for VIN
The serial number, at the end of the VIN, can be used by Ford Dealer to get details, but they don't usually have info on a vehicle after it's 10 or 15 years old, but Ford does.
You could contact Ford and for a price they used to be able to send you a copy of the Window Sticker as sold, which is a neat thing to have if you are doing an "as stock" restoration
Paint codes are on the drivers door label, along with other specific info about the truck
Drivers door label also has other vehicle specific info, like springs, trans model, and axle type/ratio
Axle stuff seen here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/how-to/axles/ford-7-5-8-8-inch-axle-tag-door-codes/
Look under TRANS on the label in the picture to see trans code
Manual transmission codes seen here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/stock-ranger-specifications/ford-ranger-manual-transmissions/
M denotes M5OD-R1
J denotes M5OD-R1HD, only used with the 4.0l SOHC engines in 2001 and up Rangers