[elhigh]

As near as I can tell, at the time my truck was built Toyota offered a 3.35 rear. I have a 3.73 aboard and the engine feels both ridiculously buzzy and woefully underloaded at 60mph. Knowing how the truck feels when I pour on the power, I know the torque output of the engine is sufficient that a taller rear end wouldn't tax it.

I think your Ranger isn't much heavier than my truck, and as earlier stated the Duratec makes more power than the Lima (or, indeed, the 22R). I think if the opportunity presents itself, snap up the 3.27 and swap it in with confidence. There's sufficient power to get the truck down the road with no problem and a downshift for an incline isn't a big deal.