However, in general, a common recommendation for many 2003 Ford Ranger engines is 5W-30. This is a good starting point, but always defer to your owner's manual for the definitive answer. Using the wrong oil can damage your engine.
Once you know the recommended viscosity, you can choose between conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil. Full synthetic is generally more expensive but offers better performance and protection, while conventional is the most affordable option. Synthetic blends fall somewhere in between.