I am in the process of replacing my alternator and have come to a bump in the road. I have managed to unmount it and disconnect the wires so its ready to pull out. I tried to shimmy it around the fan cowel and pull it out the front but it seems that there may not be enough space. Is there a better way, do I need to pull the a/c compressor off, something else? Thank in advance.

 

I realize you have a 2.3 so this might not be exactly the same, but this video seems to indicate that it's possible to just slip it upwards.


Also, this is a link to a thread on a different forum that seems to indicate it's possible as well.

Replacing alternator - Ford Ranger Forum

Sorry I can't be more help. I've never owned a 2.3L engine!

 

Thanks and I appreciate the reply. Unfortunately I have seen this video already and the placement of the alternator in my truck is different. In my truck the alternator is in the same area but it is about a foot lower and is mounted below the A/C compressor and the upper radiator hose. It seems like there would be an easier and less messy way to remove a more "regular maintenance" part then to take apart the A/C system and the coolant system. I think I am going to try taking out the wiper fluid reservoir for more room and very carefully maneuver it past the hard a/c lines.

 

I was wondering if your trick worked. I know your post is old, but I am currently running into the same issue with my Ranger.

 

It definitely has been awhile but I just looked at my engine bay and from what I can recall I removed the wiper fluid container, then removed the bolts that hold the AC compressor in place but kept the lines connected. This allowed me to slightly move the compressor around while I removed the alternator bolts and then wrestled the alternator out. There maybe a few electric connections that need to moved out of the way as well. Hope that helps