So every day for the last 3 months my truck seems to be dropping fuel pressure to the rail I have to get in and turn it over like 2 times and then on the 3rd try it'll start right up and run fine there's no check engine light there's no code stored in the computer I put a new fuel filter on it my next guess is going to be the pump any ideas it's a 2004 Ford Ranger XLT with the 3.0 liter V6 and it does not run on flex fuel two wheel drive any information would be very helpful thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum

2004 Ranger needs 60psi fuel pressure.
1997 and older used 30psi

You don't need to crank the engine to build up fuel pressure, just turn the key ON, count to 3 and then turn key OFF, repeat 3 times then try to start engine.

ON the engines Fuel rail, there should be a Test Port, it looks like a tires Air Valve, because that's what it is, a Shrader Valve, and works the same way
Press in the center pin and pressure is released.
After vehicle sits over night and engine is COLD!!!, have a towel/rag handy and press the pin, it should squirt gasoline a LONG WAY if at 60psi, so be careful

If no pressure then cycle key on and off and test again, if there is some pressure now then yes, you are losing pressure when engine/fuel pump is off, it should hold pressure for a few MONTHS

If vehicle is running OK and MPG has not dropped alot then most likely problem is the Check Valve inside the fuel pump.
Check Valve is part of the fuel pump not a separate piece, it is basically just a flap that is pushed open when pump starts and then flops back to seal fuel line when pump is off, so it holds the pressure from tank to engine.

If you had a leak somewhere else you would smell gasoline and MPG would go down
A leak in the gas tanks fuel pump would only cause lost pressure