maybe i can get some better help here...

when i am in neutral and am in idle it runs smooth and fine. when i put it in gear and accelerate it begins making that card noise. the noise speeds up faster the more gas i give. no loss in power as far as i can tell. accelerates just fine too.

in the past 2 weeks ive changed the starter, battery, oil filer, oil, plugs, wires, boots, and added lucos engine treatment.

Manual or automatic?

What year Ranger?
so we will know which 4cyl engine you have, if 2001 then designate 2.5l or 2.3l duratec

So no noise at all when stopped?
Only moving

Then not an engine noise most likely drive train

If you have a 1997 or earlier 4WD then I would suspect Auto Hub issue

its an 03 ford ranger xlt 2.3L

it only seems to make the noise when i put it in gear and give it gas. the higher rpms the faster the sound.

Did you ever figure out what the issue was? My 01 ranger is doing the same thing.