The serpentine belt on a 1993 Ford Ranger is essential to the truck's operation. Without the belt to transfer torque to the alternator from the crankshaft, the Ranger wouldn't have enough electrical power to operate the engine management system. Once you notice frayed edges, cracks and missing ribs, you'll need to replace the belt or deal with an unscheduled layover on the side of the road while you wait for the tow truck. If you have a bit of auto-repair skill, you can replace the serpentine belt on a 1993 Ford Ranger in about 30 minutes.
Lift the Ranger's hood and support it with the prop rod. Examine the belt routing diagram, located on the fan shroud, to familiarize yourself with the location of the tensioner and other components, as well as the belt's proper routing path.
Release the tension on the belt tensioner with the serpentine tool. Slip the belt away from the tensioner pulley with your free hand and slowly move the tensioner back into position.
Thread the belt off the remaining pulleys and pull it out of the engine well by hand. Stretch the belt out to its full length next to the new belt. Make sure the old belt is no more than 1 inch longer than the new belt.
Loop the new belt around the bottom of the crankshaft pulley by hand. Follow the belt routing diagram as you thread the belt around each of the remaining pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley for last.
Relieve the tension on the belt tensioner once more with the serpentine tool. Place the new belt on the tensioner pulley by hand and hold it in place as you slowly move the tensioner pulley back into position. Remove the tool and close the hood.
