I have a 2000 ranger XLT 2wd 3.0 that I want to take the body and bed off and drop a 51 f3 cab and bed on with he modernish drivetrain...the body work I'm not worried bout, just wondering what modules and computers I will need to take from the ranger to keep it running...I know the ecm and gem, and steering column, I'm not sure if I have to use the instrument cluster or not, and do I need the air bag system bypassed of can I just leave it out And have the drivetrain run?. Thanks in advance! I'm sure I'll have plenty more questions

 

Welcome to the forum

Interesting swap

You really just need the engine computer and its harness, and its added harness for transmission if its an automatic

GEM is the body computer, so just runs cab lights and wipers which you are not using
In 1998-2000 it was also used for electric speedometer which you won't need unless you want to use the Ranger cluster
No you don't need to use the 2000 cluster

You can added a speedo cable to any year 2WD, just swap in an older(1997 or earlier) tail shaft housing, if you wanted to use the old 1953 cluster

If you don't want air bags then don't hook them up or the seat belt reminders

If you have and want to keep 4 wheel ABS then you will need to trace those wires, to hook up the 12volts and grounds and the 2 front wheel sensors and one rear axle sensor
4WABS is its own separate system, module is in the Valve assembly in engine bay

You might want to get a "2000 Ford Ranger Wiring Diagrams" book on ebay, like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/394401770959

These are put out every year for every model Ford makes, and all the dealer shops get these in the "Shop Manual Set"
They are often sold separately
And are basically FREE to use, because you can resell it when you are done with it, just like the person you are buying it from is doing
This books show EVERY wire for every option and where its found and what it does
It will also have all the modules and locations