However, if you're determined to do it yourself, here's a general outline. This is a general guide and specific steps may vary slightly depending on your Ranger's year and model. Always consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's year and model for precise instructions and torque specifications.
Tools You'll Need:
* Repair Manual: Essential for specific instructions and torque specs.
* Jack and Jack Stands: Safely lift and support the vehicle.
* Wheel Chocks: Prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Socket Set and Wrenches: Various sizes to remove axle nuts, bolts, etc.
* Ball Joint Separator (or Pickle Fork): To separate the ball joint from the control arm (potentially needed, depending on the year and design).
* Hammer and Punch (or similar separating tool): To help separate components.
* CV Boot Removal Tool (optional but helpful): Makes removing the old boot easier.
* New CV Boot Kit: Includes the boot, clamps, and grease.
* Grease Gun: To pack the new boot with grease.
* Penetrating Oil (like PB Blaster): To loosen rusted or seized bolts.
* Clean rags or shop towels: To keep things clean.
* Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protect yourself.
General Steps (May Vary Significantly by Year and Model):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
2. Lift and Support: Safely lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands.
3. Remove Wheel: Remove the wheel from the axle you're working on.
4. Disconnect Components: This is the most variable step. You may need to disconnect the brake caliper, ABS sensor, and possibly the ball joint from the control arm. Consult your repair manual for the specific steps for your vehicle.
5. Remove the Axle Shaft: Once the connected components are disconnected, you'll need to remove the axle shaft from the differential or transmission. This often involves removing a large nut and potentially using a slide hammer or similar tool. Again, your repair manual will be crucial here.
6. Remove the Old CV Boot: Carefully remove the old CV boot, taking note of how the clamps are installed.
7. Clean the Axle: Thoroughly clean the axle shaft and surrounding area to remove any dirt, grease, or debris.
8. Install the New CV Boot: Pack the new CV boot with grease, install it over the CV joint, and secure it with the new clamps. Ensure it's properly seated and there are no gaps.
9. Reinstall the Axle Shaft: Reinstall the axle shaft, ensuring it's properly seated.
10. Reconnect Components: Reconnect all the components you disconnected earlier (brake caliper, ABS sensor, ball joint, etc.).
11. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
12. Reinstall the Wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
Important Considerations:
* Grease: Use the correct type of CV joint grease.
* Clamps: Make sure the new clamps are properly tightened to prevent grease leakage.
* Torque Specifications: Always follow the torque specifications in your repair manual to avoid damaging components.
This is a simplified overview. Failure to follow proper procedures can lead to serious damage or injury. If you are not comfortable with any of these steps, take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. Using a repair manual specific to your Ford Ranger's year and model is absolutely essential for success.
