1. Park your Ford Ranger on a level, stable surface. Engage the parking brake and turn the wheels away from the side you need to lift for better stability.
2. Locate the factory jack. In the 1997 Ford Ranger, it's usually stored under the rear seat or beneath the vehicle.
3. Place the jack beneath the vehicle's frame. There are specific jacking points on the frame that are reinforced to safely lift the vehicle. Usually, these are located near the sides, slightly ahead of the front tires. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for the specific jacking point locations.
4. Make sure the jack is centered under the jacking point and aligned vertically.
5. Begin lifting the vehicle with the jack. Use slow and steady cranks until the tire is just off the ground. Do not lift it too high.
6. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that needs changing. Do not remove them completely at this point.
7. Raise the vehicle with the jack until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground.
8. Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire.
9. Place the spare tire on the hub, and align the lug nut holes.
10. Hand-screw the lug nuts onto the lug nut holes.
11. Lower the vehicle with the jack until it's just barely off the jack stands.
12. Tighten the lug nuts as much as you can with the lug wrench.
13. Lower the vehicle all the way down and remove the jack.
14. Fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even distribution of force and secure mounting of the spare tire.
15. Store the flat tire and tools back in their designated places in the vehicle.
Remember, if you're not comfortable changing a tire or unfamiliar with the process, it's best to seek help from a professional. Your vehicle owner's manual may also provide additional instructions and safety precautions for changing a tire.
