How do you remove a windshield from a Ford Ranger?

Answer 1

honestly, this is much better left to a professional.

Ans2:

Taking the windshield out is quite easy. You only need a putty knife and a hammer. Smash the windshield and then scrape the channel with the putty knife. The interior can be protected by laying a tarp on the dash and draping it over the seat backs. Use Duct Tape to cover the defrost vents so broken glass doesn't fall into them. Have a shop vac handy to clean up the mess. Properly done, you can derive a lot of satisfaction from destroying your windshield.

If you want to save the windshield you can try threading some bicycle cable (like for the brakes) between the frame and the glass then pull it around the perimeter. This is not easy, it takes two people working in unison, sawing the cable back-and-forth and the butyl rubber (the black goo in the channel) re-adheres on contact so you have to keep constant pressure outward...not so much that you snap the pane but enough that you don't lose what you gained. You can squirt a little cigarette lighter fluid into the gap--that cuts down on how well it re-sticks and it also works well for removing the goo from the trim and cleaning up the channel.

I'll wager that after a half hour or so of pulling on that cable, you'll be going for the hammer. It is much quicker.