I'd say get the '96 2.3. Simple reason: OBD-II is your best friend if you're not a regular wrencher. Onboard diagnostics accessible through cheap easy handheld devices will tell you exactly what you're going to be swearing at for the next several hours. At least as long as the PCM itself isn't the problem. The OBD-1 on the '95-earlier (California-Only '95s got OBD-II) trucks is a bit clunkier and requisite diagnostic hardware is tougher to come by.
That said, perhaps it is not a question of which Ranger... but instead, how many Rangers?