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Ford Ranger Maintenance and Repair

2986 messages,  Last post on May 15, 2013 at 6:47 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Ranger, Truck

Messages Page 255 of 299

#2537 of 2986 How to Replace Tailgate Handle by david6

Aug 09, 2007 (9:56 am)

I recently had to replace the tailgate handle on my 2001 Ranger XLT, and prior to doing this found no real info on the web as to what this would take. So here is what I found out (not having a repair manual) . . . I hope this helps others and is generally useful:
 
It's quite simple. The part itself cost me $35 from the local Ford dealer, although some websites have it for cheaper, and another local dealer wanted $50. I got an exact replacement for the original black plastic handle, although there are chrome options, apparently, and probably others.
 
All that I had to do was unscrew 8 screws from the inside of the tailgate to remove my plastic bedliner, and underneath that, a metal plate covering the mechanics. The handle itself is attached with two nuts which I removed using a socket wrench, since they are an inch below some of the levers. I pulled the handle off the tailgate, and reversed the process. I wasn't working quickly or uninterrupted, but I would guess that this all took me maybe a half hour, while the dealerships wanted to charge me an hour (at the good one) or two (at the expensive one) to do the work.
 
One key point is that my handle broke because one of the bolts that slides back and forth to hold the tailgate to the body became stuck in it's casing. I made sure to grease this up and spray some WD-40 on the springs of the mechanics. If other Ranger owners wish to avoid replacing the handle (as I also have to do on another Ranger my company owns) they may wish to do preventative maintenance in this area.

#2538 of 2986 A/C failure by david6

Aug 09, 2007 (10:05 am)

While I was recently focused on replacing my tailgate handle, my air conditioning died on my 2001 Ranger XLT 4.0L 2x4 with 94,000 miles. I was surprised by this, since it seems a bit early. Understandably Ford corporate didn't feel any need to help me out with the costs, but I've heard that Honda has helped out CR-V owners when their A/C compressors died at similar mileage.
 
It turned out that the air conditioning compressor clutch died. As a result, the shaft seal began to melt, so the dealer is replacing both of those, and as a result has to recharge the unit. Total cost just a bit less than $800.
 
I felt that the truck was due for something like this to happen given the mileage, and since it is under $1,000 I'm not too upset, but I am disappointed. I had hoped my suspicions would not be justified like this, since I believe the Ranger is pretty reliable.

#2539 of 2986 Re: A/C failure [david6] by obyone

Aug 09, 2007 (11:37 am)

Replying to: david6 (Aug 09, 2007 10:05 am)
" I was surprised by this, since it seems a bit early"
 
Why does it seem to be a bit early?
 
At 6 years and 100K miles I suspect that a lot more items will need replacing. It is the nature of things.

#2540 of 2986 Uneven wear on tires and rough steering by rangerboy

Aug 09, 2007 (2:15 pm)

My '95 Ranger has been giving me some trouble with wear on the inside edge of both my front tires. The steering is really stiff. I don't know if it needs an alignment adjustment for camber or if something else might be wrong. I don't think it's the bearings they seem to be intact. Anyone else have any ideas???

#2541 of 2986 Re: Uneven wear on tires and rough steering [rangerboy] by wookie1

Aug 10, 2007 (8:40 am)

Replying to: rangerboy (Aug 09, 2007 2:15 pm)
you need to have the caster, camber adjusted to stop the wear. i had the same problem i took it to an alighnment shop now both front tires wear evenly

#2542 of 2986 Re: Uneven wear on tires and rough steering [wookie1] by rangerboy

Aug 11, 2007 (8:59 pm)

Replying to: wookie1 (Aug 10, 2007 8:40 am)
I took it down to two separate shops and they both said my ball joints are shot! I've got to get new camber sleeves and tie rod ends too. In essence a complete overhaul on my front end. The cost is going to be $1,100!

#2543 of 2986 Re: No rear lights [maillotjaune17] by dorkiann

Aug 13, 2007 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: maillotjaune17 (Nov 18, 2005 9:37 am)
did you get this resolved? I'm having the same problem and wanted to know how you fixed it. We changed bulbs, fuses and check wiring.

#2544 of 2986 Re: O/D fuse problem [eyball] by dorkiann

Aug 13, 2007 (6:17 pm)

Replying to: eyball (Jan 14, 2006 2:43 pm)
same problem, did/how you resolve it?

#2545 of 2986 Re: ABS Light and Hard Shifting Transmission [bak99] by keith8000

Aug 13, 2007 (7:47 pm)

Replying to: bak99 (Sep 01, 2005 10:04 am)
I had this exact problem (abs light on and hard shifting in second) with my 2000 ranger and the speed sensor replacement worked like a charm! I know this post is 2 years old but wanted to express my sincere gratitude! Thank you!!!!

#2546 of 2986 Uneven Wear On Tires Update by rangerboy

Aug 15, 2007 (6:55 am)

I took it down to Midas and they told me it was the steering gear and bearings needed to be replaced for $750. Someone is off base here I wonder who???

Messages Page 255 of 299

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