Can I change the distributor without dropping the engine??

[Adrxn]

I own a 1990 Ranger XLT with a 2.9l V6 and the distributor is in a bad spot and is under the intake manifold and close to the firewall, and I don’t know if it’s possible to replace the distributor without dropping the engine.

 

[Uncle Gump]

It will come out with engine in place.

It sure is tucked in there though.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

IIRC you have to pull the cap and rotor off. Takes some wiggling. Helps if the upper intake is off. A 1-2” body lift makes it a lot easier.

 

[Hoosierman]

I have to do mine soon, and while I don't ever look forward to it because I remove the intake manifold, it pales in comparison to the coil job that is my Landrover Discovery II. That job is a bear.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Its 100% possible.

Just pull the cap and rotor. It seems harder then it really is. Its not as easy as a V8...but not as daunting as it appears

 

[bobbywalter]

the intake is a dry unit and depending on the corrosion situation it is much easier to pull the intake and give yourself room.


believe it or not it is easier to work on a windsor or ls swapped ranger than a stock distributor capped one.

 

[Terrys87]

Pull your Upper Intake off. I pull the Intake off just to change the cap and wires. I have done it without pulling the Intake off but so much eaiser. Just 6 bolts that hold it on a couple of electrical connectors and a few vacuum lines. It aslo a good time to give the Intake a cleaning and your sensors that you really cant get access to with it on.