Once you know the axle ratio, you'll need to find the recommended gear oil. Ford typically recommended 75W-140 gear oil for most rear axles in that era, but some might have specified 75W-90. Always check your owner's manual or a reputable parts store (using your VIN and axle ratio) to confirm the correct specification. Using the incorrect viscosity can damage your rear differential.
Beyond viscosity, make sure the gear oil is appropriate for limited-slip differentials if your Ranger has one. This will usually be specified on the bottle as "limited slip" or "LSD" compatible. If unsure, regular gear oil will be fine for a standard differential.