2.3 Timing Belt Replacement
 

Hey All,
The timing belt on My 97 Ranger 2.3 (w/air cond.) broke and I have the fan,shroud & water pump pulley off. I realize the crank pulley has to come off..but,is there a way to avoid removing the PS/AC bracket to get the timing cover off? I already snapped one A/C compressor bolt off (no biggy,no a/c anyway,accum/dryer is dead).Also , if the bracket does have to come off and I snap the other 3 bolts...can I replace the a/c compressor with an "idler" type bracket in place as if the truck didn't have a/c ?
Any help would be appreciated....Thanks

The bracket HAS to come off. That's the easy part. None of those bolts should snap

Timing belt replacement: (3 parts)

I didn't remove the thermostat cover or the spark plugs

Removing the pulley bolt:
7/8 inch or 22mm both work

To remove the pulley itself, I had to rent a 3 jaw puller and rig something.

Slick !
 

Thanks for the reply Jeff !
This will surley get Me through it. I miss My truck and want it back asap. Thanks again !:party[1]

You could just get the shorter belt made for a 2.3 that has P/S but not A/C.