I have put two new MAF's on the truck.. it's a 97 4.0 V6... and I'm still having th e problem... I have just used some connector cleaner on the connector and am going to see if that helps it.. has anyone else had problems like this?

 

<long deep breath> 1st wet a clean rag with carb cleaner and clean the butterfly vavle (both sides) and machined surface inside the body...
most efi systems use sensors that give "the difference of" a known good value. mass air flow or "map" deliver a difference to the ecm of absolute +5 volts to less than 5 volts. there is usually a ground wire in there also. so.... get the manual and see what ecm out volts should be vs. what you get at the plug (no switch), make sure that connection is good for the ground, the 3rd pin is the return to ecm. also as with any efi issue, make sure the battery is fully charged and the connections are clean and tight. <---- that last line is usually the issue with efi issues.

 

Not sure what "the problem" is, you didn't say?

MAF sensors can fail, it is just not a common problem.
If you got a CEL(check engine light) and a code number concerning MAF it usually means MAF Sensor IS WORKING, and computer is notifying driver of a data error issue when it compares other sensor readings.

Dirty MAF sensor can cause bucking and missing because computer is using wrong air/fuel mix to run the engine.
Corroded or broken wires can also cause MAF "codes".

Good read here on testing MAF and its wiring: Ford Ranger Mass Air Flow Cleaning, Removal and Installation