So I'm going to have to find a engine harness for a 98 ranger XLT. Has anyone had to replace this? Any pointers would be much appreciated.

 

I replaced the one in my 03 Ranger 3.0 when I swapped from an automatic to manual transmission. It wasn't too complicated since the engine harness unplugs from the main chassis harness. I had to pull my upper intake plenum off since the harness runs underneath it for the fuel injectors, but otherwise everything else was easily accessible.

I also pulled one from a 2001+ 4.0 and although that was a little more complicated due to the larger upper intake plenum, it was still doable.

I haven't pulled the harness on a 2.3/2.5, but I imagine those are much harder due to the intake design.

I would definitely get familiar with each connector so you know where they go when it comes time to install them. Maybe label the new harness so you can easily plug and play each connector without having to guess where they go, although it should be pretty self explanatory since the harness is all wrapped up with tape.