You can have the explorer V8 computer reprogrammed with no PATS and no Automatic transmission software
Local Speed Shops can do that or know locals that do that
They can also match VIN and odometer if needed
Other option is to pull the explorer PATS module out, its above glove box
Plug it into the computers wiring harness
Pull out the transceiver and wiring from the column and short wire it to PATS module
Tape explorer key inside transceiver, and put it up under the dash somewhere
Then you can use your own keys to start and drive vehicle
PATS is ONLY used at startup, after that its not used, even if engine stalls you can restart it if you don't turn key off
The "Key on", computer boot up, is what starts the PATS test of the key in transceiver
But you will still have issues with manual transmission since computer won't see all the sensors and solenoids it needs to see with no automatic connected
So CEL(check engine light) would be on all the time with a whole long list of transmission codes
And you would never know if there was another code set, i.e. an engine code, unless you checked codes daily, lol
Don't have explorer PATS wiring but the 1999 Ranger will be the same, maybe different color wires and fuse numbers though