My cousin just purchased a 2000 ranger 2.5l i4 and it was running fine when he bought it. He pulled the intake manifold off to change the spark plugs and ended up totally taking it off along with all of the vaccum lines that go to it. I tried to help him "guess" when we put it back together but I wasn't there and had no clue myself. We got it back together and now it runs horrible, and sounds like it's backfiring into the airbox. Obviously we have things backwards, but he didn't take any pictures or anything and I can't for the life of me find a helpful video or anything about it. Anyone here have any experience with removing the intake manifold and what lines hook where? Thanks in advance, hopefully its not a totally dumb question.

 

Factory Vacuum Routing
Hi Ryantn,
I too have a 2000 Ranger 2.5L. This is the sticker showing the proper routing. Since you didn't mention if your cousin's Ranger has the sticker-they get ripped off or destroyed sometimes- I thought I'd upload a pic just in case.
I also have the Haynes manual but I'm not sure how detailed it would be, I'll look and if there is any decent info I'll post it.
I just did a timing belt replacement on mine and did the plugs and wires too, along with many other parts while I had it torn down, but I didn't remove the upper intake. With the throttle body out of the way I was able to get to the driver side plugs from the passenger side. But since I couldn't get the plastic handles in place I didn't use them. They just got caught on everything so they went back in the box...maybe next time.
I can also go out and take some pics of my vacuum lines, if it will help, let me know.
Good luck.