Fuel tank for 1996 Ranger cannot be found anywhere, I have no idea why this is. It is plastic, P.O. jacked under it the tank and apparently cracked it. I would rather replace than try to plastic weld it, I think...
Can I make another year tank work? What year is best?

 

Extended cab and long beds had 20gal tank, regular cab 17gal

Yes, at wrecking yards they often puncture the tanks to drain them before they are put in the yard, part of EPA rules
They are also damaged by the fork lifts used to move wrecked vehicles around

1993 to 2011 should fit 1996, matching gallons of course

Yes, not sure any one makes replacements for those years, repair is the best course of action

The older metal tanks are available but won't fit