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2001 2.3l would be a Duratec 23(Mazda L), a DOHC engine nothing like a 1990 2.3l Lima SOHC engine, so no, transmission from Duratec won't fit Lima.
Ford switched from 2.5l Lima engines to the 2.3l Duratecs in mid-2001, so make sure it is a 2.3l Duratec, not a 2.5l Lima.
A 2001 2.5l Lima trans will bolt to 1990 2.3l Lima engine, 2.0l/2.3l/2.5l Limas all used the same block so transmissions are interchangeable as far as bolt pattern.
Any Ford transmission 1998 and up will not have speedometer cable hook up, 1990 Ranger used speedometer cable, so you may want to stick to 1997 and earlier, 2.3l
All Ranger automatics needed computer assist.
Rangers switched from the EEC-IV(OBD1) computer to the EEC-V(OBD2) computer in 1995
The A4LD automatic was switched to the 4R44E in 1995 as well.
So your 1990 will have a EEC-IV computer and wiring for 2.3l engine and manual trans
You will need to get a 1990 computer and wiring for 2.3l and Automatic trans, which would limit you to an A4LD trans from a 2.3l engine
1988 to 1994 A4LD
So not quite as simple as it sound, auto to manual is simpler.
Now the C3 automatic, 3-speed, needs no computer assist, and was used on the 2.3l Lima engines in many Ford cars.
1974–1980 Ford Pinto
1974–1977 Mercury Capri
1978–1983 Ford Fairmont
1974–1986 Ford Mustang
1981–1982 Ford Granada
1974–1986 Smaller rear wheel drive Lincolns
1974–1980 Mercury Bobcat
1978–1983 Mercury Zephyr
1979–1986 Mercury Capri
1983–1986 Mercury Marquis/Ford LTD (when equipped with the 2.3 I4)
1985–1989 Merkur XR4Ti
1983-1989 Thunderbird
It could be used as a straight swap, no computer change and it would have speedometer cable hook up
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