1996 ford ranger xlt 4.0 starts ok if you keep gas on it runs good let off the gas spit and sputters then dies

you need to read the manual for the machine you are hooking to the vehicle .
These are errors not codes you need to understand how it works better.

Check air cleaner. put some Lucas injector cleaner in the gas tank or a product called mystery oil. Also at night with all the lights off open the hood and watch to see if their is any sparking between spark plug wires.

A common problem with Ford products built in the 1980s is the ignition module mounted on the distributor.
You will need to figure out if it is a fuel problem or ignition problem to proceed.

When was last tune up? Plugs, wires, all filters & fluids? Especially fuel filter. I'd start there and run a good fuel system cleaner through it.

you need to replace your fuel filter, cheap and easy fix. good luck.

Have you checked it for spark when it dies? It sounds like a bad ignition module.

I'd spend the money to change plugs & wires & cap & rotor, if you that style ignition.

thermostat or blocked matrix in rad,evan head gaskets could be on the way out

Sounds like your fuel pump is going out on you. Check your fuel pressure. You should have 40 psi when the key is in "on" position. You should have no less than 5 psi under that when it's running.

looks like you need a fuel pump. your current pump is dying.
and wont send enough pressure.