Does anyone know of an easy way to read DTC's on a 98 Ford Ranger XLT without going to a dealer?

Go to Autozone and they have loaner scanner. You'll need credit card as deposit and once you finish it they'll return the credit back to your card. I don't think there any simplier way to get the code. It is OBDII system, may be a good time to get one for Christmas. Many of the auto parts stores are putting them on sale!