Two ways to do it.

#1: Set #1 cylinder to top dead center. Line up the little tooth on the synch with the window on the side of it.

#2: Mark where the tooth is on the old one before you remove it, and put the new one in the exact same spot.

However, if the old synch gear is broken, causing it not to turn the oil pump, it's going to be out of alignment when you take it out, so the best way is to do TDC on #1 cylinder.

They sell a tool to lock the synch in place, but you don't have to have it. It just may take a couple of stabs to get it lined up perfectly.

And spend the extra money on Motorcraft.

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT
Extended Cab
3.0 Flex
4x4
Manual Transmission
Offroad Package