I don't have the specs but I just take the rocker cover off and bring the number 1 piston up and take a flat peice of metal and mark about 6 inches and mark the middle set it on the cam above number 1 and take a tape ruler measure on both sides from where the rocker cover bolts on to the peice of metal move the cam until it is the same on both sides then move your distibutor
5 deg atdc --------------------------------------------------------------- Motorcraft.com shows the timing on a 1986 Ranger 2.3 L as 10 degrees BTDC
what are the head tourque specs for a 1986 Oldsmobile calais 2.5 liter ?
There was a 2.9 L - V6 engine available in the Ford Ranger from 1986 to 1992
25-35 ftlbs
Chain
check your timing
To set the timing on a 1986 Ford Ranger XL with a 2.9-liter engine, first, ensure the engine is at operating temperature and then disconnect the vacuum advance hose from the distributor. Use a timing light and connect it to the number one cylinder's spark plug wire. Start the engine and aim the timing light at the harmonic balancer; adjust the distributor until the timing mark aligns with the specified timing degree (usually around 10 degrees BTDC) on the balancer. Finally, reconnect the vacuum hose and recheck the timing to ensure it remains correct.
3 degrees
I need to know what size engine you have 2.3 2.8. I have all the specs for every Ranger Built.
On an 1986 Ford Ranger with a 2.9-liter engine, when the engine is at top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke, the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley should align with the timing tab, typically marked at 0 degrees. The rotor of the distributor should also point towards the number one cylinder's ignition wire. Ensure that the timing marks are correctly aligned for proper ignition timing.
http://www.rebuiltautoengines.com/ford-ranger-articles.html You can get it all here with detailed pics of cylinders and coils
the 2.9 motor is a v-6, if it's anything like the 2.8 it doesn't have either. the cam gear and the gear on the crank mesh to each other. ANSWER The four cylinders have a timing belt , the Ford 2.9 L has a timing chain , and as mentioned above the Ford 2.8 doesn't have either