seats
 

can the seats of the 2011 2wd alt 40/consel/40 be taken off and washed or how do you clean them

You need to pull the seats out, or just clean them in place with upholstery cleaners

You can buy replacement foam pads and seat covers, cloth or leather

Google: ford ranger reupholster seats

Or you can find replacement seats at wrecking yard with better looking seats
Try car-part.com
They usually have pictures of interior so you can see the seats and console

I noticed a zipper on the back can the covers be taken off and thrown in the washer or is that too easy (as in impossible)

No, that's fine, cold water, or they can shrink a bit

The usual issue when you remove car seat upholstery is that they are worn in some spots and will TEAR at those spots when you are putting them back on

I tried to look up foam replacement for a 2000 ranger but mostly what comes up is f150 or other models. Explorer same year might work too right? But don't see either.

Just take the old foam to upholstery shop and they will cut you replacements, and better quality than factory replacements