Yeah, for your 97 2.3, it would have a return style fuel system, ”low“ pressure along with no PATS. 99 Explorer is a poor choice of donor because it’s a returnless high pressure system with PATS. 95-97 Explorer matches what you have the best, because it’s a returnless high pressure style “low” pressure system with no PATS. 98 Explorer was the oddball because it had the return style “low” pressure system with PATS.
I tried to make a 98 Explorer work in my 00 Ranger and ended up scrapping that idea in favor of converting the engine I had into an 00 Explorer by changing the fuel rail, injectors, cam sensor, engine harness and computer so that it matched my Ranger.