Going to the junk yard to get another starter. I have a 1995 Ranger 2.3l.
Will a starter also work from other engine sizes, or do I need to stick with just the 2.3l?
What range of years will also work with the 2.3l?

 

You have a 2.3l SOHC Lima engine
1989-1997 should work, also Mazda B2300, 1994-1997
1998-2001 2.5l will work, its same engine stroked, also B2500

No, other engine model starters won't work
And no, 2001 to 2011 2.3l DOHC Duratec starter won't work, its a different engine

 

What is the easiest/quickest way to tell what engine is under the hood?
I was planning on taking it to someone who rebuilds starters, with good parts, as opposed to buying one at the auto parts store?
Would it be best to find one that is a Fomoco for rebuild?

 

Look at the VIN on the label on the rear edge of drivers door or lower drivers side of windshield, from the outside

8th digit of VIN is the engine model
A or C means 2.3l SOHC or 2.5l SOHC

VIN decoder here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...r-vin-decoder/

If you want to know what the other digits are for
I find taking a picture of the lablel or plate makes it easier to decode

Most wrecking yards are required to have VINs recorded, so there may be a list you can look thru