I have a 1990 ford ranger pickup with a 2.3L engine. I noticed the timing belt is a bit loose and am wondering how big a chore it would be to change it myself. I have the tools or most I think and am somewhat handy with tools. I have never changed a timing belt before but feel I could. I'm curious if anyone has any advice for me??

thanks to all who respond

 

Welcome to FTE!!!

I'm sure someone has done this job and will help you .

 

I just changed mine, 2.3 on a 1994 XLT a few weeks ago. Very easy. I removed the cowling, fan and fan clutch. I removed one little fan belt pulley and then the upper radiator hose. I lined up the two marks so the engine would be at TDC incase something went wrong. I removed the timing belt cover. The hardest part was breaking lose the bolt on the crankshaft pulley. I used some bolts I bought that screwed into the pulley to hold it still so I could use a breaker bar. The bolts bent, but managed to hold it enough. Somebody later suggested I put the breaker bar on with the handle against the ground and then turn over the engine with the starter- sounded like it would work. With the belt exposed, I used a paint filled marker to mark where the timing belt was positioned. I removed the old belt, transferred the marks to the new belt, and then lined up the marks on the new belt with the marks on the 3 pullies. Doing this I knew it was positioned as before. Everything went right back together, and it started right up! Saved myself about $300. I did it in under 90 minutes. It was the first time I have ever done it.