So I was driving in town earlier, and then all of a sudden my 1999 Ford Ranger just died .I pulled over and it started right back up no problem. The next day I'm driving in town again (speds limits 35 so it's not like I'm abusing it or doing anything crazy) and it just died again- this time I switched to nuetral and tried to start it up again but it would only putter before dying again. I kept trying, and when I give it some gas it will lurch forward maybe 2 feet (rpms JUMP to 4k) and then after it inches forwards it dies again .I was able to limp it home but now I can't get to work or anything, I don't know what to do

 

Welcome to the forum

Reads like fuel pump has died

When you turn on the key you can hear the fuel pump in the gas tank HUMMMM for 2 seconds, its not quiet, it only runs for 2 seconds, but does that EACH TIME key is turned on
So turn key off and on as much as needed to confirm you hear the pump or do NOT hear the pump

If you can't hear the pump then you will need to change it, best way is to unbolt the bed and move it back a bit.

If you can hear the pump running then change fuel filter, probably clogged up

 

I put a fuel pressure gauge on it, came off 55-60.
After having done more research, I'm convinced it's the IAC I need to clean out/replace. I'll do that as soon as I can get a ride to where it broke down, and let y'all know if it worked!

 

After you have the IAC valve off the intake, plug its wires back in
Turn on the key, IAC Valve should open all the way for startup
Now watch the valve inside while you unplug the wires, if should move, it closes, doesn't move much less than 1/2"
Then plug wires back in so it opens again
Repeat until you are satisfied it is moving freely

Turn key off and clean IAC valve...........if it works, if not replace it