How to Replace a Window in a Ford Ranger
by Allen Moore
The Ranger is the smallest truck in Ford’s light-duty fleet. Since its introduction, the Ranger has seen multiple reincarnations, but overall has remained true to its roots as a small pickup for those who need a truck, but do not want the size and maintenance that come with the Ranger’s larger siblings. The Ranger’s two-door standard cab has a side window in each door. In the event that the window glass becomes damaged and needs replacement, this job can be performed in a few hours or less.
Step 1
Roll the window down into the door and use the screwdrivers to remove the window wipes that are screwed into the door. You will need to access the screws through the window channel. Move the window back to the fully upright position after both wipes are out of the door. These are usually Phillips head screws, but some are tricky to reach, in which case you may need to start the screws with the flat head screwdriver.
Step 2
Stick a piece of clear packing tape to the outside of the existing glass, run it up over the top of the door frame and back down onto the glass on the inside. Make sure you have 4 inches of tape attached to the glass on both sides. This will prevent the glass from moving when you detach the bottom of it from the mounts.
Step 3
Remove the fasteners from the door panel using the socket set. Once they are removed, use the trim pin removal tool to detach the door panel from the door by inserting the tool into the bottom trailing edge of the panel and removing the trim pin in that location from its seat. Repeat this until all the trim pins are removed.
Step 4
Lift the door panel up and away from the door. You will need to unplug the wiring harness going to the window and lock switches once the panel is off the door before you can set the panel aside. Be careful not to yank on the wiring harness.
Step 5
Shine a flashlight into the door so you can locate the window regulator tabs that connect to the bottom of the window glass. Use the socket set to disconnect these tabs.
Step 6
Remove the packing tape carefully from the glass, while supporting it, to prevent the glass from falling into the door. Once the tape is removed, slide the glass down a few inches until you can grasp the top of it. Tilt the glass toward the front of the Ranger and lift it up and out of the door. You will need to pull it out of the door from outside the Ranger.
Step 7
Set the old glass aside then take the new glass, and place it back into the door in the opposite manner in which you removed the old glass. Once the new glass is in place, use the packing tape to hold it up then attach the window regulator tabs to the new glass.
Step 8
Reinstall the door panel after reconnecting the wiring harness. Use the side of your fist to tap the trim pins back into their seats then reinstall the fasteners that hold the door panel in place.
Step 9
Remove the packing tape, lower the window into the door and reinstall the window wipes. Clean the window with glass cleaner and rags.
References
Things You'll Need
- Flat head screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Clear packing tape
- Socket set
- Trim pin removal tool
- Flashlight
- Replacement glass
- Glass cleaner
- Shop rags
Writer Bio
Allen Moore's career includes awards in poetry and creative fiction, published lyrics, fiction books and nonfiction articles as well as a master certification in automotive service from the Ford Motor Company. Moore is a contributing writer for RF365.com and various other websites, a ghostwriter for Rainbow Writing and has over a dozen works of fiction currently in print.
