The diesel ford ranger had an electric fuel pump in the frame rail forward of the midship fuel tank. When you turn on th ignition, you should hear the buzzing sound of the pump.

If you look at the fuel filter (located at the rear driver's side of the engine) you should see a bleeder valve at the top of the filter. If you open this valve by unscrewing it while the ignition is on, you should get fuel coming out of the filter housing.

If I read your post correctly, the engine will idle without any problems indefinitely?