alternator bolts on a 2002 Ranger

[elitemp1984]

I was in the process of putting a K&N Cold Air Intake on my Ranger and can't get the alternator bolt lose to mount it. Are the bolts right handed or left handed?

[Psychopete]

Originally Posted by elitemp1984

I was in the process of putting a K&N Cold Air Intake on my Ranger and can't get the alternator bolt lose to mount it. Are the bolts right handed or left handed?

What size of ratchet are you using? 3/8" 1/2"? Did you remove the belt? I am not sure about that model, you didn't even tell us which engine.. Are you attempting to loosing a really long bolt? If alternator itself is not loose, it could be slightly bound causing it not to break loose.

I just replaced a water pump on a 87 marquis and it required taking half of the front engine apart. Despite the age of the alternator, I didn't have any problems removing the alternator with just a craftsman 1/2" ratchet. I am no hee-man either.

I have never seen a left hand thread bolt used with out a purpose - ie. is holding on something that rotates that would cause the bolt to work itself out. Or on some sort of machinery. Chances are that it's right hand thread. 3/8" ratchet usually won't cut it unless you can get enough leverage from the handle. A 1/2" -> 3/8" converter has been a good help in those sort of situations.

Pete

[2000mudder]

just put a k&n kit on mine. that bolt can be tight!!! it is right handed so it unscrews counter clock wise. your gonna love the sound it makes sucking in all that air!!!

[elitemp1984]

I finally got the bolt off. The Air intake sounds great on my 3.0. It took about two hours to get the bolt off and go figure that was the only bolt that was hard to get off. I checked the other ones to make sure that it was right handed and the other two came loose with no problem. Now I'm wondering what type of exhause would sound better on my Ranger.