1996 Ford Ranger Owner's Manual - Page 227

Roadside Emergencies Preparing to Change the Tire NOTE: To lift your vehicle by other than the front or rear jacking points, be sure to use only hoist adapters with a wide contact surface. 1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll. If you have an automatic transmission, put the gearshift in Park. If you have a manual transmission, put the gearshift in Reverse. Set the parking brake and block the wheel that is diagonally opposite the tire that you are changing. NOTE: Make sure the ignition is in the OFF position. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicles with manual locking hubs, put transfer case lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L. When one of the back wheels is off the ground, the transmission alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park) or 1 (First). To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block the wheel (both directions) that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to the tire that is being changed. RWARNING If the vehicle slips off the jack, someone could be seriously injured. RWARNING Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle. 2. Get out the spare tire and jack. 227