1998 ranger ac started blowing hot, compressor cycles on and off

Hello, It's hard to know how quickly the compressor is cycling based off of your description. For this kind of air conditioning concern, check for state of charge with appropriate equipment. If the charge is OK, and the system is cycling "normally", you could have an issue with the condenser fan not working, or the condenser not having good air flow through it. Hands on diagnostic testing is required to check each component to see if it's working properly.