Hello everyone, I finally decided to register on here. I recently bought a 2011 ford ranger 4x4 xlt. I do not know anything about lifts and mods and hope to learn alot on here. It does have some bf Goodrich tires on it which I love and have always wanted. Wish I new if it has anything else underneath. I do want to add a grill and any other cool stuff I find on here. :)
I also have a 96 ranger that i really want to fix. It broke down on me to work a week ago which made me go get the 2011. Just have to switch the alternator, I want to lift it and put some big tires and different suspension. Anyways sorry for rambling I hope to meet some cool new people. From Washington state and here are some pics of my "new" ranger.

 

Looks good


Always test vehicles wiring FIRST before replacing alternator

Key off
Test battery terminals
12.8v is new battery
12.5v is 3 year old battery
12.3v is 5/6 year old battery and time to shop for battery sale

12.2v or lower is drained or failing battery

Once you have Battery Voltage
Test alternator wires, use alternators metal case for the Ground

Test B+ wire, back of alternator on stud nut connection, should see Battery Voltage exactly, if not fuse or fusible link is bad

Unplug 2 or 3 wire alternator connector(this is voltage regulator connector, just FYI)
Test red or yellow wire on that connector, should be battery voltage, if not fusible link is bad
Test green or grey wire, should be 0v, this is the ON/OFF switch for alternator

Turn key ON(engine OFF)
Retest green or grey wire, should now see battery voltage, can be a .1-.3 less, thats OK

If all wires test OK
Start engine
Retest Battery voltage, 14.3v-14.8v is expected with engine running, if its under 13.5volts then replace alternator