Fix It

The Ford Rangers gear shifter can often be in the way. If you need to work on the transaxle, or some of the manual transmissions components, the shifter will have to be removed. As a DIY mechanic, you should always be careful and exercise caution whenever working on transmission issues. But removing the shifter is not as complicated as other transmission jobs, and all you will need are some basic tools to do the job.

Instructions

1

Park the Ranger on a level surface. Place chocks in front of the front tires and behind the rear tires. Engage the emergency brake and shift the Ranger into neutral.

2

Peel back the carpet around the rubber shifter boot. This will reveal the shifter boots retaining bolts. Remove those with a socket wrench. Since you are removing the whole shifter, you do not need to remove the shift boot or the knob atop the lever.

3

Lift up the shift boot. Locate and remove the bolt holding the shifter to the Rangers transmission.

4

Pull the whole shifter assembly up and off the transmission.

The alternator in a vehicle takes gas and converts it into power that the vehicle can use. According to Mister Fix It, the alternator is vital to keeping a vehicles electrical system running at optimal performance. When the alternator bearings on a vehicle are not working properly, the alternator does not turn properly and thus the alternator does not work.The alternator bearings turn the alternator so it can convert power from gas to electricity for systems like the air conditioner, radio and headlights. The symptoms will show different problems with the alternator bearings and other issues in the vehicle. Once the symptoms are identified and the problem is known as an alternator problem, fixing it is possible.

Progressive Squealing Sound

A progressive squealing sound, or a sound that gets louder and makes a squealing noise, is a sign of alternator bearing problems. Usually, the bearing is loose when this occurs. The mechanic should rule out other potential problems that come with similar symptoms, such as timing belt problems. Once it is determined that the alternator bearing is loose, replace it because a loose bearing gets damaged.

Dim Lights

Alternator problems cause dim lights. If the alternator bearings are not properly turning the alternator, the lights will not work properly because they are only getting power from the battery and not from the gas. Dim lights alone, without other symptoms, are usually caused by dirt or old bulbs, but if other explanations are eliminated, the alternator is a potential cause.

Car Lights Come On

Alternator problems or issues with the alternator bearing cause the warning lights to turn on. The "Batt" or "Gen" lights are the most common lights that come on when there is a problem with the alternator. These do not always come on, especially if the battery has plenty of charge, but when these lights come on there is a good chance the alternator or alternator bearing is the problem.

The Ford Motor Company manufactured the C6 transmission between 1966 and 1996. Its quite similar to the C4 transmission, but it can deal with greater power outputs. It was initially used in trucks and bigger cars that had large engines, but today its primarily used in drag racing cars.

C6 Stock Transmission Specifications

As the name implies, the C6 stock transmission uses a stock torque converter and a stock pan. It has a stall speed of 1,800 rpm and a two-wheel-drive slip yoke for its tail housing, but it doesnt have a hard input shaft. The horsepower of the C6 stock transmission has been measured at 300 horsepower, while the torque has been rated at 250 nM.

C6 Dominator Transmission Specifications

The C6 Dominator transmission is made with a 2F torque converter. Like the C6 Stock, this transmission uses a stock pan and a two-wheel-drive slip yoke, and it doesnt use a hard input shaft. The Dominator has stall speeds between 1,800 rpm and 2,800 rpm, however, and it uses an "R" Super Servo instead of the Stock servo in the Stock model. The Dominator is also a more powerful transmission as it has a horsepower rating of 500 and a torque rating of 450 nM.

C6 Dominator Extreme Transmission Specifications

The Dominator Extreme version of the C6 transmission is more powerful than the Stock or Dominator models as it has a torque rating of 600 nM and a horsepower rating of 650. Unlike the previous C6 models, the Dominator Extreme doesnt have a torque converter but it does use a stock pan. Like the Dominator transmission it uses an "R" Super Servo and like both previous versions it uses a two-wheel-drive slip yoke. The Dominator Extreme is the first of the three transmissions to use a hard input shaft. It has a horsepower rating of 650 and a torque rating of 600 nM.

C6 Mega Dominator Transmission Specifications

The final C6 transmission manifestation was the Mega Dominator model, the most powerful transmission of the four. It uses a 1,200 horsepower, 1,000 torque nM torque converter and it has stall speeds of between 2,600 rpm and 6,000 rpm. Like the Dominator and the Dominator Extreme C6s, it uses an "R" Super Servo. Like the Dominator Extreme, it uses a hard input shaft, but unlike any previous C6 model, it uses a 91 Ford racing cast aluminum pan and a two-wheel-drive, slip yoke or short bolt-on yoke type for its tail housing. Its torque rating is 800 nM and its horsepower rating is 1,000 rpm.

Any tinkerer who has faced a jammed or stripped screw can appreciate the utility of an impact screwdriver. This tool is composed of a bit mounting, weights connected by a spiral channel, and a tension spring. There are manual models in which force is applied by a hammer, and power tools that use a compressor. Either kind can help get a tough job finished.

Driving In Fasteners

An impact screwdriver applies rotary motion in addition to extra driving force, enabling the tool to install screws or bolts very firmly. The surge of spinning force drives the screw deeper, creating more compression and grip.

Removing Frozen Fasteners

In the same way that impact screwdrivers can tightly install a screw, they can also break the grip of a frozen screw. Sudden force, completely applied in a turning motion, provides the most effective way to remove a tight screw.

Stripped Fasteners

When an impact screwdriver is fitted with a hardened steel bit, its downward force helps to bite into a loose or stripped screw head. This gives enough grip to turn efficiently and direct the leverage toward moving the screw.

An automobile wouldnt get very far without a fuel system. Each fuel system component performs a specific function in the retaining, filtering and moving of fuel from its storage compartment all the way into the engine block. The system ensures that the fuel reaches the engine as free of harmful particles as possible, creating optimal conditions for combustion and performance.

Fuel Tank

As the name would indicate, a fuel tank is a container that stores a vehicles fuel. Fuel tanks have a filler tube with an opening on the side of the vehicle for adding fuel to the tank. The tank also has an electronic "trigger" that relays information to the gas gauge regarding the amount of fuel in the tank.

Fuel Pump

Modern automobiles have a fuel pump attached directly to or inside the fuel tank. Older vehicles generally have one attached to the engine. Pumps mounted near the fuel tank use electricity to pull fuel from the tank toward the engine. Automobiles with fuel pumps attached near the engine use gravity to pull fuel into the engine.

Fuel Filter

Fuel filters are critical for optimal performance and long engine life. These components are usually installed at both ends of the fuel pump to filter particles that would otherwise inhibit combustion and clog engine components. Regular inspection of fuel filters is necessary to keep a fuel system performing at a high level.

Fuel Injectors

Fuel systems built after 1986 have fuel injectors. These electronic valves open and close to send a computer-controlled mixture of air and fuel into the engine block. This speeds up the combustion process, allows for faster engine response during acceleration, improves fuel economy and lowers vehicle emissions. Fuel injectors depend greatly on properly functioning fuel filters to maintain peak performance levels.

Carburetors

A carburetor is the predecessor of fuel injection. This component uses gravity to create the appropriate mixture of air and fuel before sending it into the engine block. The device is relatively simple in construction but requires frequent maintenance and is less efficient than fuel injection.

Ford Motors produced the Fairlane Ranchero in 1967. Valued by collectors as a car-truck hybrid, knowing the original specifications -- such as fuel capacity -- is essential to restorers and customizers.

Ford Ranchero

Ford Motor Company produced the Ranchero from 1957 to 1979. During its run, Ford changed the body concept five times. In 1967, Ford adopted the Fairlane body style, made other sporty modifications and added a high-powered V8, 320-hp, 390-4v engine. Available in three styles, the Fairlane Ranchero is very popular with collectors.

Fuel Capacity

All three models of the 1967 Ford Fairlane Ranchero had a 20-gallon fuel tank. This is the same fuel capacity as the 1966.

Ranchero Trivia

Many parts for the Fairlane Ranchero are interchangeable with the Fairlane station wagon. An air conditioner and an AM radio were optional equipment. In 1967, Ford Motor Company produced approximately 17,000 Rancheros divided across the three styles.

If you have a car that has front-wheel drive, chances are you have struts on the front-end suspension. Struts are a combination of various front-end components that includes shock absorbers, coil spring, steering knuckles, spring seats and strut bearings.

Struts Identified

Struts are the connecting link between the upper strut bearing and the lower ball joint. Struts are usually gas charged, and they absorb the wear and tear of over-the-road travel. Over time struts wear out and need to be replaced. The front end of a vehicle should be examined by a professional mechanic before making a final decision.

Signs of Wear

Signs that your car might need new struts include bottoming out on bumps, cupped tire wear, swaying and obsessive bouncing. If you believe your struts are bad, you should have the vehicle checked by an experienced front-end or suspension mechanic. After struts are changed a new front wheel alignment is usually necessary.

Actual Cost

According to Cost Helper, replacing struts cost between $300 and $700, including the price of labor. If you have a luxury car the price goes up to between $700 and $1,000; and if that luxury car is a Lexus the cost can still rise even more.