How to Take Out a Ford Ranger Transmission
by Jeffrey Caldwell
The transmission in your Ford Ranger is subject to a high degree of abuse, whether from towing, hauling heavy loads or the daily grind of stop-and go traffic. As the transmission ages, gears can wear and the external seals can begin to leak. The transmission must also be removed in order to service the clutch, as well as the rear main seal.
Preparation
Step 1
Disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal, by loosening the retaining bolt and pulling the clamp off the negative post.
Step 2
Lift the vehicle according to instructions listed in the owner's manual and support using jack stands underneath the frame or axles.
Step 3
Remove the gear shifter from the top of the transmission, by removing the bolts that secure it.
Step 4
Cover the opening in the top of the transmission to prevent contaminants from entering the case.
Step 5
Separate the clutch master cylinder push rod from the clutch pedal by removing the retaining clip and disengaging the pushrod from the pedal.
Remove the Driveshaft
Step 1
Use paint to mark the relationship between the driveshaft and the rear axle flange. You will be removing the driveshaft and it must be reinstalled in the same relative position to minimize driveline vibrations.
Step 2
Remove the U-bolts or retaining straps that secure the rear universal joint to the rear axle yoke.
Step 3
Slide the driveshaft forward slightly to disengage the universal joint from the rear axle yoke.
Step 4
Lower the universal joint until it can pass freely underneath the rear axle, then slide the driveshaft rearward until it disengages from the transmission.
Step 5
Remove the driveshaft from the vehicle.
Remove the Starter Motor
Step 1
Disconnect the dust shield and slave cylinder from the clutch housing and secure it out of the way using a plastic wire tie.
Step 2
Label and disconnect the wires attached to the starter motor.
Step 3
Remove the bolts that connect the starter motor to the engine block, and remove the starter motor from the vehicle.
Step 4
Label and disconnect the backup light wiring harness.
Remove the Transmission from the Vehicle
Step 1
Place a transmission jack underneath the transmission. Raise the jack until it is supporting the weight of the transmission.
Step 2
Remove the bolts that connect the engine to the transmission.
Step 3
Remove the bolts that secure the transmission to the engine.
Step 4
Remove the bolts that secure the transmission to the transmission crossmember.
Step 5
Remove the bolts that connect the transmission crossmember to the vehicle's frame.
Step 6
Remove the transmission crossmember from the vehicle.
Step 7
Slide the transmission rearward until the front of the transmission housing disengages from the locating pins on the engine block.
Step 8
Lower the transmission and remove it from the vehicle.
References
- "Chilton's Ford Ranger/Bronco II Explorer 1983-91 Repair Manual"; Chilton Book Company; 1991
- "Haynes Ford Ranger Bronco II Automotive Repair Manual 1983-1992"; Chilton; 1999
Tips
- Place a wooden block on a floor jack position it underneath the engine oil pan. Raise the jack just enough to support the rear of the engine while you're removing the transmission.
Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Transmission jack
- Jack stands
- Socket set
- Wrench set
- Masking tape
- Markers
- Shop rags
- Paint
- Plastic wire ties
Warnings
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions listed in the owner's manual when lifting or lowering a vehicle. Failing to do so could result in injury or death. Always use a dedicated transmission jack when removing a transmission from a vehicle, and secure the transmission with a safety chain.
Writer Bio
Jeffrey Caldwell has been a freelance writer for over five months and has published over 250 articles on websites like eHow and Trails.com. Caldwell writes articles on a wide range of topics including travel, camping and automotive mechanics. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Millersville University.
