I went after the electircal connections this morning. I hate these connectors because I've broken many. Not today. I got all of them without breaking any.
Where the loom mounts on the trans is also no fun at all. I got them pushed out except for the one at the back that holds the 2nd O2 sensor connector. It's bolted to the trans via a real flimzy piece of metal and I couldn't get the plastic push tabs out for nothing. Not an easy place to get to either. So instead I ended up undoing the bolt that holds that flimzy piece of metal to the trans.
I'm glad I have lots of tools. A stubby is necessary, tho I broke it loose with a typical length combo wrench. 12mm. That bolt is quite long (inch and half at least), it must do something besides hold that metal on, so I snugged it back down.
When I purchased the slave/throw-out bearing, there was a little line that said, "recommended tools". So I have one of these too.
I got stuck on the 1st, front O2 sensor. I changed the cat a couple years ago and had no anti-sieze so I didn't use any. Now I'm paying the price. I've got it about half way out....PB Blaster, tapping, more PB, etc. I've found over the years, when you're really stuck on something, most of the time it's best to walk away for a while....good thing to let the PB Blaster work over night anyway.
When I purchased this Ranger in 2001, the first thing I did was install a K&N cold air intake (really a short ram), put in two Accell Super Coils (mine has 8 spark-plugs), and install the Magnaflow "high flow" cat. So after 18 years I installed the second one....2-3 years ago. Anything you can do to help this little gutless 2.3L (97 LbFt?) is a good idea. These things (above) did help it run better....and the smaller tires too. All helped going up the big hills as long as you keep the rpms up somewhat.