How do you align the camshaft sprocket with the crankshaft sprocket when installing a new timing belt where the rotation of engine has been disturbed on a 1997 fords ranger with a 4 cyl. motor?

like i always say when doing this kind of work even an experienced mechanic may referr to a manuel so buy a repair manuel or pull the #1 spark plug (may need repair manuel to locate) and put a straw in cylnder and crank engine by hand until straw is up as far as it goes before coming back down at this point the timing mark should be alliened and then slip belt back on( P.S. repair manuels are about 20 bucks

A 2.3 liter engine is a perfect first timing belt to do on your own, buy a repair manual it will outline everything you need to know, I generally discourage a diy from doing their own timing belts but this is a free wheeling engine and good experience for anyone wanting to do this type of hands on mechanical work, keep it up and you'll get it, follow the instructions to the letter and you'll do just fine. Trust me I've done hundreds of them and started by doing rangers with 2.3s and escorts with 1.9s