Key Program?

I have a '99 ranger and it has the Passive Anti Theft System. I only have one key and I need a spare but its going to cost $40 to program since I only have one key. Does anyone know a way around this or if I can get it done cheaper else where?

nope, we're (I've got the same on my 99) pretty much stuck paying the extra bucks to have the key programmed by the mother...unless...
If you only want a spare to keep in your wallet or something in case you get locked out and your keys are locked in, you can just go to a hardware shop/walmart and get them to make a copy on a regular key blank. This key will open your doors, but not start the truck

here's the story....went to the closest ford dealer with 1 key. will cost $100 & an hour wait...left & called another...$80 & an appointment in 3 days ...told a co-worker & he suggested a dealer 20 miles away, went there... anyway, the key cost me $24 & the programming $25 for about $49.99 bill...now I had the key cut at Wal_mart & there was no charge...after 2 keys, you can do it yourself
with owners manual help...get that non-ignition key at Wal-mart for $2 & peace of mind...hide THAT key under your truck in case you lock your key inside the vehicle (I did on my '94 Ranger 1000 miles from home) hope that helps you ...good luck

I'm not really worried about locking my keys in the truck as you don't a key to unlock a ranger or an f-150.I've locked my keys in my truck plenty of times. I'm just worried about if I lost my one key and then couldn't start my truck. I called ford they wanted $25 for the key which I found on ebay for $12 and now I just gotta get ford to program it.

The general rule that locksmiths suggest is that make an extra key while you have 2 programmed keys. Keep that 3rd key at home so if you ever lose a key you still have 2 keys and all you have to do is have a new one cut and you can program the key yourself. If you're far away from home and you lost your key you will have to have your car towed to a dealership and pay big bucks to have new key made and programmed. Other option is call locksmith and hope they have the box to make a key and program-most locksmith don't have this. Best suggestion, if you go on a trip bring an extra key with you and give it to someone else to hold. Make that 3rd key and keep at home. You'll never be sorry that you did.