what max. tow weight can pull with this 2000 ford ranger with a 3.0 automatic.
i want to buy a tow hitch for this truck.

As long as your load doesnt hit the bump stops and as long as DOT doesnt catch ya LOL. But they will take a hell of a beating and if its the four wheel drive chassis that helps even more.

with proper equipment (hitch) you should be able to to tow 3500 lbs. check your owners manual for sure. depending on your truck wether its 4x4 or extended cab and so on you might not be able to tow as much as with regular cab 4x2.