Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safe lifting of the vehicle. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Tie rod end separator (pickle fork): To separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. A ball joint separator might work, but a pickle fork is preferred.
* Tie rod wrench: This specialized wrench fits the inner tie rod. You might need a couple of different sizes, or an adjustable wrench that fits snugly.
* Socket set and ratchet: For various fasteners.
* Wrench set: Metric and possibly SAE, depending on your Ranger.
* Torque wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. Improper torque can lead to premature wear or failure.
* Penetrating oil (PB Blaster, etc.): To help loosen rusted or seized bolts and connections.
* Safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from injury.
* Marking tools: Chalk or paint marker to mark alignment components before disassembly. This will help with re-alignment.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for precise details):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks. Raise the vehicle safely using the jack and secure it on jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the wheel from the side you're working on.
3. Disconnect the Tie Rod End: Use the tie rod end separator (pickle fork) to carefully separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. This requires force, but be careful not to damage the knuckle. Apply penetrating oil beforehand.
4. Disconnect the Inner Tie Rod: This is the challenging part. You'll need to access the inner tie rod, usually located near the steering rack. This often involves removing other components for better access. The repair manual will guide you here, showing you exactly which parts need to be removed or loosened.
5. Remove the Old Inner Tie Rod: Use the appropriate tie rod wrench to unscrew the old inner tie rod from the steering rack. Again, penetrating oil may be necessary.
6. Install the New Inner Tie Rod: Thread the new inner tie rod onto the steering rack. Tighten it to the specifications in your repair manual.
7. Reconnect the Tie Rod End: Carefully reconnect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
8. Reassembly: Reinstall any components you removed to access the inner tie rod. Tighten all fasteners to the correct torque specifications.
9. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle.
10. Wheel Alignment: Crucially, after replacing an inner tie rod, you must have your vehicle's wheels professionally aligned. Improper alignment can cause premature tire wear, poor handling, and even safety issues.
Important Considerations:
* Left vs. Right: Inner tie rods are usually not interchangeable between the left and right sides. Make sure you get the correct part for your vehicle.
* Steering Rack Boot: Be careful not to damage the steering rack boot during the process. A damaged boot can allow contaminants to enter the steering rack.
* Threadlocker: Consider using a threadlocker (like Loctite) on the inner tie rod threads to prevent loosening over time.
This is a simplified overview. Refer to a repair manual for precise instructions and diagrams specific to your 2004 Ford Ranger. Attempting this repair without the proper knowledge and tools could lead to damage to your vehicle or personal injury. If you're not comfortable with this repair, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
