PATS wasn't in the Cluster until 2004 and up, but yes, good to delete it for the swap
Speedometer signal is not connected because 2001 PCM was removed and replaced by the 2000 PCM
I bet automatic transmission shifts harshly or hangs a bit, because it also doesn't have a speed signal
Does your 2001 2WD Ranger have 4 wheel anti-lock brakes(4WABS)?
If it does you can use it's module for the speed signal, 2000 Explorer did
If 2001 doesn't have 4WABS then you will need to buy a Speed Interface device
Like the SGI-5E seen here:
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=126/prd126.htm
This device will be hooked up the the rear axle speed sensor, the Signal IN, spliced into sensors 2 wires
Then the Output will be connected to the Grey/black wire on pin 1 on center connector of cluster, speed signal
Also the Grey/black wire on pin 58 of the PCM, speed in for shifting trans
Also to the Grey/black wire on Cruise Control module, if you have cruise control
The rear axle sensor(VSS) sends our 20,000PPM(pulse per mile), the speedometer and PCM are calibrated for 8,000PPM
So the interface device is needed to convert this signal
In 2001 Rangers, the PCM used a sensor on the transmission, OSS, to get speed signal and then PCM converted it to 8,000PPM and sent it out to speedometer
In 2000 Explorer the 4WABS module used rear axle sensor and then converted its 20,000PPM to 8,000PPM and sent it out to speedometer and PCM, and Cruise