Hello, I'm new to this forum and new to Ranger ownership, having bought my 1996 2.3 liter very recently. Although I've done lots of engine work in my life, I've never owned or worked on a car with a timing belt. I know, however, these things need to be changed on some sort or regular basis to avoid a valve-to-piston collision when an old timing belt breaks. That being said, I asked the seller of my car if he knew when the timing belt was last changed. Since he was a small dealer, however, he had no such information. The truck has about 112K miles on it, and I think it would be wise for me to change that timing belt now. The question I have for you who have both the experience and expertise in this matter is what all should I change as well as the belt itself? I know I should also change the serpentine belt while I'm at it, but what else should I replace to avoid any related problems when I replace these two belts? Thanks in advance for your advice/help in this matter.

 

Your 2.3 is not an interference engine, so you can just risk it until it breaks and deal with the headache then if you want. lul.
But what else to change while you have the whole front end off? Check if it is leaking any oil on the front end, because it'll be easy to replace front seal. Check pulleys and tensioners and make sure they are still in good condition. That is probably about it. lul. not a whole lot on the front end to replace besides the belts.
Might as well change spark plugs and air filter and clean the maf while you're at it.

Good luck, these little engines are really easy to work on.

 

I just replaced mine after it broke, while i had most of the front end taken off added a new water pump, thermostat. However it's not something I'd worry about with only 112k miles, mine broke at 170k first time being replaced. Like the person before me said just wait till it breaks then fix it

 

Wirelessly posted

2.3 in a ranger is a easy job. Ford had to turn the engine sideways in the escape such a pain to do

 

Thanks, guys, for your advice and your help in this matter. I feel especially relieved knowing now that my Ranger has a non-interference engine. I guess there's no real urgency here for me to replace that timing belt. Thanks again.

 

I also have a '96 2.3 that I've had since brand new. Mine broke at 164k miles. Put a new one in and kept going. No damage done.

 

the 2.3 timing belt is not too hard to replace. I done it without ANY prior knowledge or how to. you can wait until it fails like Grant said and it wont mess the engine up BUT, when it does fail, you lose EVERYTHING. no power steering, motor just shuts off completely, you have nothing. Mine went out while I was going 70 mph down the highway and i just coasted to a stop.

This is actually how I got into forums, here is my VERY FIRST post on a forum:

https://www.ranger-forums.com/4-0l-ohv-sohc-v6-tech-33/timing-belt-cranshaft-problem-anyone-24963/

 

My first ranger had the 2.3l, and I had it snap on me at around 185K. I rolled into the parking lot of a friends apartment building, and was able to drive out in a matter of hours.

 

Yeah Scott is right, when it goes, everything goes. Kind of one of those things, is it worth it to risk it? I mean, it is easier to replace it on a weekend when you're free, or once it breaks in a middle of the workweek when you don't have a spare truck....

 

yeah its way easy, found it better to remove radiator, only takes like 5 minuets to do so, but thats just me

 

There is a retainer of some kind attached to the crank timing gear. There is not enough room to install new belt over this retainer and under the flange that wraps around gear. Do I have to remove harmonic balancer and gear to get new belt on??

 

As I’m finding out myself having recently replaced the timing belt on my ‘96 ranger 2.3L, you must remove the harmonic balancer in order to change the belt. The pulley (harmonic balancer) is pretty easy to get off with the proper puller.

 

You can open up the timing belt cover and take a look at the surface of the belt, see if there are any tiny cracks. In addition, there are many DIYs on Youtube which help a lot.