bought an 03 escort w/o cruise control, anyone know if i can take a cruise control system from another escort in a salvage yard and install it in my car?

I don't know the answer to your question but they do have after market systems that you can buy.

Yes, you can use one from a salvaged car. I'm a member over at www.feoa.net (http://www.feoa.net), (Ford Escort owners association) I'm sure someone over there could give you all the details. I know some of the members there have removed them from salvaged cars and put them on their non c/c equiped Escort. I had an aftermarket Audiovox c/c put on my '97 several years ago and have had no problems with it.