Most modern engines have a computer which controls all aspects of engine operation, including timing. Therefore, it is impossible to set the timing on these engines. It is possible that your engine is not computer controlled, but unlikely.
On a 2004 Ford Ranger : The 2.3 liter Dual Over Head Cam four cylinder engine has a ( timing CHAIN )
The 2.3 liter , Dual Over Head Cam , four cylinder engine in a 2004 Ford Ranger has a timing CHAIN
Actually , the 4.0 liter SOHC V6 engine in a 2004 Ford Ranger has ( 3 ) timing CHAINS
In a 2004 Toyota Highlander : The 2.4 liter four cylinder engine has a timing CHAIN The 3.3 liter V6 engine has a timing BELT
timing CHAIN
timing BELT
timing CHAIN
The 3.5 liter V6 engine in a 2004 Nissan 350Z has a timing CHAIN
Yes , it must have a timing CHAIN ( the Gates website does not list a timing belt for the 2004 Nissan Xterra 2.4 liter )
On a 2004 Ford Explorer : The 4.0 liter Single Over Head Cam , V6 engine has ( 3 timing CHAINS ) The 4.6 liter V8 engine has ( 2 timing CHAINS )
I was looking on fordparts.com at the 2004 Ford Ranger with the 3.0 liter V6 engine and it doesn't list an EGR valve for the 3.0 liter like it does for the 4.0 or 2.3 liter
I believe the 2.3 L - DOHC engine in the 2004 Ford Ranger has a timing CHAIN instead of a timing belt , the 3.0 L and 4.0 L use timing chains