Here's a general outline. Specific steps may vary slightly depending on your exact Ranger model. Always consult a repair manual specific to your year and model for detailed instructions and diagrams. A Haynes or Chilton manual is a good investment.
Tools You'll Need:
* Wheel chocks: Essential for safety.
* Jack and jack stands: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket wrench set: Various sizes, including metric.
* Pliers: For various tasks, including removing cotter pins.
* Brake shoe spring pliers: These specialized tools are crucial for compressing and releasing the brake shoe return springs. Improper use can damage the springs.
* C-clamp (optional but helpful): To help compress the brake shoes during installation.
* Wire brush: To clean the drum.
* Brake cleaner: To thoroughly clean all parts.
* New brake shoes: Get the correct parts for your vehicle.
* New hardware (if needed): This might include springs, clips, and wheel cylinders.
* Grease: For lubrication of pins and other moving parts (use brake grease where appropriate).
* Safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from potential hazards.
Procedure (General Steps):
1. Safety First: Engage the parking brake, chock the wheels securely, and jack up the rear of the truck. Place it on jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Remove the Brake Drum: This can be tricky. Sometimes, they're stuck due to rust. Try tapping gently around the circumference with a rubber mallet. If it's really stuck, you might need to use a drum puller (available at auto parts stores).
4. Inspect the Components: Carefully examine the brake shoes, wheel cylinders, springs, and other components for wear, damage, or leaks. Replace anything that looks questionable.
5. Remove the Old Brake Shoes: This involves carefully removing the various springs and clips holding the shoes in place. This is where the brake shoe spring pliers are essential. Take pictures or make notes as you go to help with reassembly.
6. Clean the Brake Drum: Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the brake drum, removing any rust or debris.
7. Install the New Brake Shoes: Carefully install the new brake shoes, making sure the springs and clips are correctly positioned. The spring pliers are crucial here. A C-clamp can help compress the shoes for easier installation.
8. Adjust the Brake Shoes: Most brake shoes have an automatic adjuster. However, you might need to manually adjust them to ensure proper clearance. Consult your repair manual for the proper procedure. This is critical for proper braking function.
9. Reinstall the Brake Drum: Carefully slide the brake drum back onto the axle.
10. Reinstall the Wheel: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts securely in a star pattern.
11. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
12. Test the Brakes: Test the brakes thoroughly in a safe, open area before driving normally. Make sure the parking brake also engages correctly. If the brakes feel spongy or otherwise abnormal, there is a problem.
Important Considerations:
* Wheel Cylinders: Inspect the wheel cylinders for leaks. If they're leaking, they'll need to be replaced. This is a more complex task.
* Brake Fluid: If you're working on the wheel cylinders, you'll likely need to bleed the brakes to remove air from the system.
* Parking Brake Cable: Make sure your parking brake cable is properly adjusted.
This is a general overview. Refer to your specific repair manual for detailed, illustrated instructions. Again, if you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your truck to a qualified mechanic. Improperly functioning brakes are incredibly dangerous.
