1996 Ranger 2.3L, 5 speed regular cab shortbed.  recent (less than 5K
miles)  New double platinum plugs, new spark plug wires, air cleaner,
PVC valve, oil change, oil filter.   It ran just fine after the "tune
up" for about 3K miles, then one day suddenly, it started this
hesitation. Right now it has 120K+ miles.
 When first started, it starts fine and idles fine,  But when I get it
in  reverse to back out of the garage it "hesitates and then revs up
enough to back up.  Same thing going forward and between gears.  It gets
less hesitant after it warms up.  after about ten miles when I get off
the Interstate and make my first stop,  it ALMOST  seems normal,  only a
very slight hesitation.  Checked throttle position sensor with an analog
ohm meter and slowly moved throttle through complete range.
Ohm meter showed a nice steady movement, with initial reading of 1000
ohms at closed throttle and a 4000 ohms at WOT.

It kind of reminds me of the old carburated engines that had the
squirter go bad in the carb.

Sorry about being so long with the explanation, but I tried giving the
best explanation I could.

This is a great group and I've seen many good repair questions answered
.....  soooooo  I'm hoping you Guys and Gals can help me figure this
problem out.

Thanks!