I have a 2004 Ranger XLT 2.3L 4cyl 2wd. Getting ready to replace the clutch (kit). I see both non- and Self-Adjusting Pressure Plate designs out there; I want to put in the closest match to the factory install. I don't want to crack it open until I have my ducks ready for the whole job. Thanks!
ps - is there a good resource for finding exactly what the factory parts are by (for example) VIN number?

 

At this point, it could have anything.

I can tell you from experience, you won't notice a difference. Your slave cylinder acts as the adjustment as the clutch wears, so there really isn't a need for the self-adjusting clutch. I ran the self-adjusters for years, but then recently threw in a non-self adjuster and I don't feel any difference in the way the clutch engages.

Keep in mind that with a self-adjusting clutch, you're supposed to compress the fingers on the pressure plate and move the adjuster springs so that they're compressed. If you don't have a hydraulic press, you won't be able to do this, so it's not worth the extra money for the self-adjuster unless you can find one that is fully adjusted out of the box. In my experience, I've never found one that was.