That being said, here's a general procedure. Always consult your vehicle's repair manual for the most accurate and detailed instructions specific to your year and model. These instructions are general and might vary slightly.
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable before starting any work on the ignition system.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a socket set, a distributor wrench (possibly a special tool depending on the design), a timing light, and possibly a long screwdriver or similar for checking the position of the #1 cylinder piston. A Haynes or Chilton repair manual for your specific vehicle is invaluable.
* Mark Everything: Before removing anything, carefully mark the location of the distributor cap and rotor. Use a marker to note the wire positions on both the cap and the distributor. This is crucial for reassembly.
2. Finding Top Dead Center (TDC) of #1 Cylinder:
This is the most crucial step. Your repair manual will have specific instructions, but here's a general approach:
* Locate #1 Cylinder: Identify the #1 cylinder (usually the front passenger-side cylinder on a V6).
* Crank the Engine: Using a wrench on the crankshaft pulley bolt (or using the starter), rotate the engine until the #1 piston is at its highest point (TDC). You'll likely need to remove a spark plug to use a long screwdriver or similar tool inserted into the spark plug hole to verify TDC. The piston will be at TDC when the screwdriver is at its highest point. Your repair manual will specify how to determine if #1 cylinder is on the compression stroke at TDC. This is critical.
* Verify TDC on Compression Stroke: This is important! Make sure piston #1 is at the top of its compression stroke and not the exhaust stroke. Otherwise your timing will be off by 180 degrees. Your repair manual should provide instructions on how to verify this. A compression test gauge will help confirm if you are at the correct TDC.
3. Aligning the Distributor:
* Remove the Distributor Cap: Carefully remove the distributor cap, noting the spark plug wire locations as mentioned before.
* Loosen the Distributor Hold-Down Clamp: Loosen the distributor hold-down clamp, but don't remove it completely.
* Align the Rotor: With the engine at TDC on the compression stroke of #1, carefully align the rotor to point towards the #1 spark plug terminal on the distributor cap. The repair manual may indicate a specific mark on the distributor housing to be aligned with a particular mark on the engine.
* Tighten the Distributor Hold-Down Clamp: Once the rotor is aligned, tighten the hold-down clamp securely.
4. Installing the Spark Plug Wires:
* Wire Order: The firing order is crucial. The correct firing order for the 4.0L V6 is usually listed in your repair manual (it might be something like 1-5-3-6-2-4, but double-check!). Connect each spark plug wire to its corresponding terminal on the distributor cap, following the firing order.
* Double-Check: After connecting all the wires, double-check the order against your manual one last time.
5. Reconnect Battery and Test:
* Reconnect the Negative (-) Battery Cable.
* Check for Sparks: With the ignition turned on (but the engine not running), use a timing light to briefly verify that each spark plug wire is receiving a spark.
* Start the Engine: If the engine starts and runs smoothly, you've successfully aligned the distributor and installed the spark plug wires. If not, there might be a problem with the ignition timing or another component. Do not run the engine for extended periods if you suspect the timing is off. This will cause potential damage.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: This procedure is general. Your specific Ford Ranger's repair manual contains the precise instructions and diagrams you need for this task. Don't skip this step!
* Timing Light: A timing light isn't strictly necessary for reinstallation if the distributor was properly marked and reinstalled. However, it's highly recommended for verification and allows for adjustments if needed.
* Professional Help: If you are not comfortable performing this procedure, seek help from a qualified mechanic. Improper alignment of the distributor can seriously damage your engine.
This detailed information should help, but always prioritize safety and consult your vehicle's repair manual before proceeding. Good luck!
