Alright, so i've been battling a CEL for the past few weeks and i wanted to run the whole process past you guys and see what else i should do.

Originally it threw the CEL and returned a P1443 code, which is a purge valve failure of some sort... i forget the exact thing. Anyway, i googled the issue and most sources say its either a leak in the system or a bad purge valve/sensor. Starting with the cheapest option, i replaced all the rubber lines. No change. Changed the solenoid, same thing... no change. However the light was out for about 90 miles before i came back on. Next i replaced the sensor, and the light was out for one starting cycle. After reattaching the battery and driving, it returned when i started the truck again.

Sunday afternoon i was replacing my rear window in my garage and noticed the faint smell of gas lingering in the garage, so i know i stlll have a leak somewhere. Where should i go from here?

The truck is a '96 2.3L. About 178k on it. Im also getting about 17-18mpg through mixed city/highway driving, so maybe that is could be another clue as to whats causing my problem.

Oh gurus of all things Ranger...where should i go from here?

 

If you smell gas then that would be the issue, the EVAP system(what you are working on), relies/assumes an air tight system.
That includes the gas tank, which is the focus of the EVAP system, it's mission is to not allow gas fumes out of the tank.

So a loose or bad gas cap, or a broken/cracked filler or vent tube can cause EVAP system to fail tests.

Locate the smell and you will locate the problem.