I need to do maintenance in a 2000 3.0 5 speed and have access to a 1998 factory workshop manual. I will do tune up, gasket replacements and later on go for a new clutch.
Are 1998 and 2000 rangers mechanically identical?

 

Yes the only real differences are in the wiring.

 

yes they are the same.

 

yeah the drive-trains should all be the same. there might be some plug and wiring differences but i'm sure you won't have any issues with it.