Ford Ranger Maintaince And Repair Manual page 479

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
2.3L, 2.5L and 4.0L SOHC (VIN E) Engines
If not done during the cylinder head removal, remove the timing chain/belt and/or gear/sprocket assembly.
Remove the oil pick−up and pump assembly and, if necessary, the pump drive. If equipped, remove any
balance or auxiliary shafts. If necessary, remove the cylinder ridge from the top of the bore. See the cylinder
ridge removal procedure earlier in this section.
All Engines
Rotate the engine over so that the crankshaft is exposed. Use a number punch or scribe and mark each
connecting rod with its respective cylinder number. The cylinder closest to the front of the engine is always
number 1. However, depending on the engine placement, the front of the engine could either be the flywheel
or damper/pulley end. Generally the front of the engine faces the front of the vehicle. Use a number punch or
scribe and also mark the main bearing caps from front to rear with the front most cap being number 1 (if there
are five caps, mark them 1 through 5, front to rear).
Place rubber hose over the connecting rod studs to protect the crankshaft and cylinder bores
from damage
WARNING
Take special care when pushing the connecting rod up from the crankshaft because the sharp threads of the
rod bolts/studs will score the crankshaft journal. Insure that special plastic caps are installed over them, or cut
two pieces of rubber hose to do the same.
DISASSEMBLY 473