Fix It

Removing the differential cover from the axle on your Ford Ranger is the only way for you to access the gears inside the differential. If you need to change the gear oil, inspect the ring and pinion gears or replace seals and bearings in the differential, you must remove the cover. It will only take a few minutes and just a few hand tools to complete the job. In most cases, removing the cover is the simplest part of any job involving the differential.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear of your Ranger off the ground with a jack. Position a set of jack stands under the rear axle tube to support the truck. Lower and remove the jack.

2

Position a large oil drain pan under the rear differential. Locate the bolts around the outer edge of the cover. Loosen all the bolts with a socket and ratchet. Remove them one at a time, starting at the bottom.

3

Leave the top bolt in place and use a wide putty knife to pry the bottom of the cover away from the differential housing. Oil will begin to drain from the differential, so make sure the pan is under it and catching the oil as it comes out.

4

Remove the last bolt at the top of the cover and lift the cover off the differential. You can now perform whatever work is necessary before reinstalling the cover with a new gasket.

Replacing the taillight cover or lens on your 2005 Ford F-150 truck requires replacing the entire taillight assembly. The assembly and lens are molded together and cannot be separated. Replacement taillight assemblies are available from Ford, most auto parts stores, salvage yards and some specialty parts retailers. Replacement of the assembly takes about 10 minutes with the use of basic tools. Check the bulbs while you have the taillight covers off, and replace any bulbs that are not working.

Instructions

1

Open the tailgate of your 2005 F-150, allowing the tailgate to rest on the support cables. Locate the two retaining screws in the bedside where the tailgate closes. The retaining screws are threaded into the taillight assembly.

2

Remove the two screws with a Phillips screwdriver and set them aside. Grasp the taillight assembly from the rear and pull it straight back, removing it from the truck. Do not pull it out so far that you damage the wires behind it.

3

Locate the bulb sockets on the rear of the assembly. Turn the bulb sockets counterclockwise, and remove them from the assembly. Discard the old assembly.

4

Install the bulb sockets in the rear of the new taillight assembly, turning them clockwise to lock them into place. Slide the new assembly into place on the truck. Push the assembly in until is seats completely.

5

Install the two retaining screws, and tighten them with a Phillips screwdriver. Do not tighten the screws so much that they thread into plastic, which could crack the housing. Close the tailgate.

A Ford factory warranty guarantees repair and/or replacement of specific systems and components of a vehicle, within the limitations outlined in the warranty plan. To receive the full benefit of the coverage, owners must have all scheduled maintenance performed on their vehicle. Failure to adhere to the maintenance schedule may result in voiding the warranty coverage.

Function

Only an authorized Ford dealership may make the repairs. The dealership may use Ford or Motorcraft parts. In addition, Ford technicians may install remanufactured components or other parts as instructed by Ford or the dealership management. According to the warranty language, the vehicle owner must allow the dealership a "reasonable" period to make necessary repairs.

Considerations

Keep invoices for receipts for parts and repairs, and make sure to record work performed on the vehicle in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide. Vehicle owners do not have to pay for repairs covered under the factory warranty over the life of the warranty period unless specifically stated in writing. Some states have regulations that may override certain provisions of the warranty, such as the coverage period or the payment of taxes, which becomes the owners responsibility.

Types

The Ford factory warranty covers bumper to bumper, powertrain, safety restraints, corrosion and powerstroke diesel engines. The components covered include engine components and the transmission. The warranty replaces tires on a "prorated basis up to 36,000 miles.

Time Frame

The factory warranty covers warranted repairs based on the number of years or the number of miles on the vehicle, whichever comes first. For instance, the bumper-to-bumper coverage has a three-year/36,000 miles warranty. The powertrain and safety restraints have coverage for five years/60,000 miles, depending on what is reached first. Some vehicle corrosion has five years/unlimited miles and the powerstroke diesel engine (6.0 or 6.4-liter) has five years/100,000 miles.