How to replace freeze plugs? (1986)
 

I was just wondering what you need to do to replace the freeze plugs in a 1986 ford ranger. It is a 2.9L 4x4 5 speed

Are you replacing 1 in particular or all?
If you are doing all, it is required to pull the engine out.

I half-a$$ed replacing one in my aerostar...it was leaking through the center of the old freeze plug. I drained the coolant, pulled the old one out with pliers/screwdriver and put in one of the rubber ones. Since I didn't have room to get a hammer in there to put a new brass one in, i got the rubber one. you put it in loosely, and then tighten the nut which compresses the rubber and makes it seal. i think it was like $8 at autozone.

Has that worked out?

It held up for 4 years; I just got rid of the van a few weeks ago and it wasn't leaking or anything. I torqued it down a bit too much and ended up warping the washer on the outside that makes the rubber expand, and despite that it still held up. I would have put a brass one in, but there just wasn't enough clearance. if you have room to access it, I'd go ahead and put a new brass one in. Pretty sure they sell kits of 10 or so brass plugs at most auto parts stores for $20, if you need to repair more than one.

The plug I used looked something like this; the metal was all brass though and it was bigger so the nut on the top looked smaller.

Amazon.com: Dorman 570-003 Expansion Plug 3/4" - Pack of 5: Automotive