Here's an update for everyone...
I was at the junkyard a few days ago for a part for my Subaru. I picked up a fuel level sending unit, and the mounting ring for it. I managed to bust off all the studs on my current ring, and the gauge acts funny sometimes, so I figured what the hell, I'll get em both. Turned out it was only $12 for it anyways.
So then I had the bright idea to take the float off one of those units, and put it on this Ranger unit. And it works! It's the same size rod, though the float is shorter than the one that was on the Ranger's. Not a big deal, I just pushed it all the way on, then pushed the steel retainer up against it. So now I have a permanent fix on the Ranger. The cork was starting to break down, as the gauge wouldn't go all the way up anymore as of the last 2 weeks.
I'll get a pic of the Subaru part I'm talking about tomorrow. I was a bit covered in gas to take any pics today. Apparently, when you disconnect the fuel pump wires, and run the truck until it dies(and try to restart it), that's not enough to depressurize the system. I almost got a face full of gas, as it hit the back of the cab, and went any direction it wanted.