Ford ranger timing belt changing

The Ranger 2.3 is NOT an interference engine, so the belt breaking doesn't damage valves. The fact it runs means the valve timing is fine. I would suspect fuel starvation.

https://www.google.com/search?q=1996+ford+ranger+2.3+dies+after+15+minutes

97 2.3l timing belt question ' The Ranger Station

https://www.therangerstation.com > forums > 97-2-3l-ti...
Feb 26, 2013 - The 2.3L (and perhaps other Ranger engines) are non-interference engines and do use a timing belt. But many other manufacturers, ...

Some help here

https://www.google.com/search?q=1996+ford+ranger+2.3+dies+after+15+minutes

..

At the front of the engine you will find a pulley that will drive the belts to run the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, air conditioner, etc. This pulley is called the 'Harmonic Balancer' and is actually 2 pieces pressed together on a rubber bush which acts as a 'shock absorber' for the engine. This pulley is marked with several lines to indicate the position of the engine rotation, measured in degrees. The longest line usually indicates TDC (Top Dead Centre of piston No 1). The other lines indicate where ignition should fire (Usually between 5-10 degrees before TDC) and where valves are opened and closed (before and after TDC) both ignition and valve timing vary depending on engine/camshaft configuration. The lines on the harmonic balancer will align with a pointer that is cast into the timing cover.

Check for worn bearings in the power steering pump where the drive belt pulley attaches to the pump shaft.

MAKE SURE YOURE TIOMINGB MARKS ARE L;INED UP ON THE CRANCKSHAFT ,, DID YOU USE A TIMING LIGHT ?

Section 11-02A: Steering Pump, Power, C-II 1996 Aerostar, Ranger and Explorer Vehicles Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Pump and Pulley SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL(S) REQUIRED Description Tool Number Steering Pump Pulley Remover T69L-10300-B Steering Pump Pulley Replacer T65P-3A733-C
Removal

1. Disconnect the power steering return hose (3A713) at the pump and drain fluid.
   

1. Remove the power steering pressure hose (3A719) by unscrewing connector from the pump.
   

1. On the Aerostar 3.0L V-6 engine (6007), loosen the drive belt tensioner (6B209) and adjustment bolts.
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 10346 Generator 2 8501 Water Pump 3 8678 Belt Idler Pulley 4 3A733 Power Steering Pump Pulley 5 6303 Crankshaft 6 2884 A/C Clutch 7 — Without A/C On the 2.3L I-4 and 4.0L V-6 engines, slacken belt tension by lifting drive belt tensioner in a counterclockwise direction. On Ranger 3.0L V-6 engines, slacken belt tension by lifting drive belt tensioner in a clockwise direction. Remove drive belt (8620) from under drive belt tensioner and slowly lower pulley to stop. Remove the drive belt from the power steering pump pulley (3A733).
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 10346 Generator 2 2884 A/C Clutch 3 3A733 Power Steering Pump Pulley 4 8501 Water Pump 5 6303 Crankshaft 6 8678 Belt Idler Pulley 7 6B209 Drive Belt Tensioner

1. NOTE: If the drive belt requires servicing, refer to Section 03-05 .
   
   Remove the drive belt from the power steering pump pulley.
   

1. Remove the oil dipstick tube.
   

1. Remove the power steering pump support (3C511).
   

1. Install Steering Pump Pulley Remover T69L-10300-B on the pulley.
   

1. NOTE: Do not apply pressure on the power steering pump rotor shaft (3B559). Pressure will damage internal thrust areas of the power steering pump (3A674).
   
   While holding the remover tool nut stationary with a wrench, rotate the inner spindle of the remover tool clockwise until the pulley is pulled off the power steering pump rotor shaft.
   

1. Remove the bolts attaching the power steering pump to the A/C compressor mounting bracket (2882).
   

Installation

1. Install the power steering pump on the A/C compressor mounting bracket. Install and tighten attaching bolts to 41-61 Nm (30-45 lb-ft). On 4.0L engine, tighten to 47-64 Nm (35-47 lb-ft).
   

1. Position the support on the A/C compressor mounting bracket. Install mounting bolts and tighten to 47-64 Nm (35-47 lb-ft).
   

1. NOTE: Fore/aft location of power steering pump pulley on power steering pump rotor shaft is critical. Incorrect belt alignment may cause drive belt squeal or chirp. Make sure pull-off groove on power steering pump pulley is facing front and flush with end of shaft ± 0.254mm (± 0.010 inch).
   
   Install the Steering Pump Pulley Replacer T65P-3A733-C and install the power steering pump pulley.
   

1. Install the drive belt on the power steering pump pulley.
   

1. On the 2.3L I-4, Ranger 3.0L V-6, and 4.0L V-6 engines, position and rotate drive belt on engine. While lifting drive belt tensioner in a counterclockwise direction (clockwise on Ranger 3.0L V-6), slide drive belt under drive belt tensioner and lower drive belt tensioner to drive belt.
   On Aerostar 3.0L V-6 engine, position the belt idler pulley (8678) assembly to give the drive belt the tension specified. Refer to belt tension check in Section 03-05 . Tighten the drive belt tensioner and adjustment bolts to 47-64 Nm (35-47 lb-ft).
   

1. Install the power steering pump support, if removed.
   

1. Install the oil dipstick tube.
   

1. Install the pressure hose tube nut and new Teflon® wagner into power steering pump valve outlet fitting (3D654) and tighten to 41-54 Nm (30-40 lb-ft).
   

1. Connect the power steering return hose to the power steering pump, and reposition the clamp.
   

1. Fill the power steering oil reservoir (3A697) with Premium Power Steering Fluid E6AZ-19582-AA or equivalent fluid meeting specification ESW-M2C33-F. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel (3600) from left to right without hitting stops to remove air from the system.
   

1. Check for leaks and recheck the fluid level. Add fluid if necessary to proper level as specified in Section 11-00 .
   
   
   Power Steering Pump and Power Steering Pulley, 2.3L TPH Engine, Ranger Only
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 2882 A/C Compressor Mounting Bracket 2 N606543-S2 Bolt (2 Req'd) 3 N606069-S2 Bolt (2 Req'd) 4 N605803-S2 Bolt 5 N800199-S8M Screw 6 3D673 Power Steering Pump Pulley 7 3F671 Power Steering Belt Idler Support 8 N806020-S2 Bolt 9 3A674 Power Steering Pump 10 19703 A/C Compressor A — Tighten to 21.2-29 Nm (16-21 Lb-Ft) B — Tighten to 40.3-55 Nm (30-41 Lb-Ft) C — Tighten to 44-51 Nm
   (32-38 Lb-Ft)
   
   Power Steering Pump and Power Steering Pulley, 3.0L Engine, Aerostar
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 3A674 Power Steering Pump 2 3C511 Power Steering Pump Support 3 6007 Engine 4 N803564 Stud 5 N802827-S2 Nut 6 N800199-S8M Screw (3 Req'd) 7 N8011179-S2 Screw (3 Req'd) 8

Click on the following free direct Link. It has the Timing: Belt and Mark Diagrams for your 1996 Ford Ranger.

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!
http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1996/make/ford/model/ranger/1996_ford_ranger_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

Click on the following free direct Link. It has the Timing: Belt and Mark Diagrams for your 1996 Ford Ranger. Plus additional Instructional and Directional Diagrams.

NOTE: No Markings on the Crankshaft Sprocket, it is deferred to the Oil Pump!

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1996/make/ford/model/ranger/1996_ford_ranger_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

My sincere apologies for the delayed response.
I am personally going back to answer your unanswered questions.
I have only been a free contributor to this site for the past 4-months.

I do not know if you still need this information, but I am going ahead and answering it anyway.

CLICK on the following LINK. It has several Belt Diagrams, one which will match your specific engine and options (AC/No AC, Power Steering, .etc) that you will need.
To directly answer your question: YES the Power Steering Pump is part of the Serpentine Belt Route.
Let me know if this helped...
Again my apologies..

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1996/make/ford/model/explorer/1996_ford_explorer_drive_belt_routing_diagram.htm

if it has been awhile since the belt was changed it may be a good idea to change it and get a timing light and check the timing also make sure the beads in the catalytic converter is not releasing and starting to plug up the exhaust system

The problem could be anything from a power steering hose has leaked out all the power steering fluid or the steering rack could be leaking fluid. Has the car made any strange noises when turning the steering wheel? A car that is loosing power steering fluid will at some point lose so much fluid as to make the power steering pump cavitate (starve for fluid) and the pump will make a high pitched noise when it has too little fluid in it. I can't remember if the 1996 ranger had only one belt on the engine or if the power steering has it own seperate belt. The belt being gone would prevent the power steering from working but if you only have one belt the car would also overheat.