I have the clips to remove my fuel filter but its really hard to remove the hoses. would it hurt anything if I cut them off and used hose clamps ?

 

What year Ranger?

1998 and up uses 70psi fuel pressure which is a little high for clamps unless you use barbed fittings

1997 and earlier uses 35psi, so OK for clamps but still not great

Also the fuel lines are nylon which is not that stretchable for sliding on to a fitting to clamp it, and doesn't have the friction grip like rubber lines, so can slide off over time unless fitting is barbed

I would continue to try and get fittings to release, they can be tough but will come off