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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 57 of 300

#553 of 2986 RE: bolivar & frey44 by wrr

Oct 19, 2002 (7:44 pm)

bolivar: You're probably right. I bought the 2001 but kept my 1993 regular cab 2.3L (multicar insurance discount). The old truck has 144k, and has had nothing but routine maintenance, and is still getting the same mileage as when i bought it at 17k, ~25mpg summer, 20 winter. It's one solidly built vehicle, and it was on the basis of that experience that I bought another Ranger. Of course, there are plenty of people out there not having problems with their newer Rangers.
 
frey44: I gave up on the selling dealer of my 2001 after the write up guys and the service manager started blowing smoke up my ass and treating me like an idiot (gas gauge reads empty when you have 7 gallons left? Oh, that's normal. WTF??) I called the Ford customer service line and did everything I could to make it clear that dealership didn't deserve a blue oval cert, and started taking the truck to another dealership, which fixed the problems the selling dealer couldn't find, and handled the buyback for me with 0 hassles. If your truck isn't getting fixed, raise holy hell until it is. We pay too much money for these trucks for Ford to not honor their warranty.
 
I did visit a Toyota dealership today, and took a 2003 Tacoma 3.4L 4sp auto xtracab TRD for a spin. My supercab Ranger wins on comfort: lots more legroom up front (even more than on the DoubleCab Tacoma), the power windows/controls are laid out better, the seats are a bit more comfortable. The Ranger also feels heavier, in body panels, doors, interior trim. When it comes to what really counts, however, the Toyota wins hands down. Manual transfer case, pushbutton locking rear differential, the 3.4L feels smooth and has plenty of pep, and the 4 speed auto shifted so well I didn't notice the shift points. Without a doubt, the Ford 4.0L has more power stock. If I buy a 3.4L Tacoma, I'll probably opt for that nifty TRD supercharger. I haven't made up my mind yet. IF I decide I want to start doing some serious off-roading, the Tacoma is a lot more suited to the job. I like my 2002 Ranger. I just wish I could trust it like I trust my 1993.

#554 of 2986 Please help before I go NUTS!! by tspike

Oct 19, 2002 (10:50 pm)

I have a 98 2wd xlt w/85k miles, 2.5 w/5spd. For the past 2 years it has vibrated at speeds of 60 to 80 mph. It feels like it's coming from the front wheels but it fades out like it's moving to the rear end. It is ALWAYS there, fading in and out non-stop. I've replaced the tires twice, all 4 wheels, front bearings rotors and brakes, front end aligned 4 times, the entire rear of the transmition and the driveshaft. It was well out of warrantee when it started to a noticeable degree. I can't afford a new vehicle at this time, but I can't stand driving it. It gets outstanding mileage (30mpg) and has had no other problems (except the dome light not wanting to turn off). PLEASE someone if you have had or heard of this problem and have ANY ideas what to do please contact me and help me keep my sanity!!!

#555 of 2986 Some later models... by bolivar

Oct 20, 2002 (12:09 pm)

...have a TSB that calls for a replacement of the driveshaft. Replace steel with an alumium driveshaft.
 
If you have the 2 piece driveshaft, there is a carrier bearing in the center that might need replacing.... Since you seem to have replaced most everything else.

#556 of 2986 Goofy gas gauge by brucelinc

Oct 24, 2002 (11:45 am)

Well, I just made an appointment to have the revised fuel pump assembly installed under warranty on my '01 Ranger. While not a serious flaw, having the gauge read "empty" with 7 gallons left in the tank is pretty silly.
 
After this is corrected, I will not have anything else to complain about!

#557 of 2986 2003 Ford Ranger 2.3 by fedforester

Oct 26, 2002 (9:17 am)

Took delivery of a new 2003 ranger with a 2.3 4-cylinder, 2-wheel drive about two weeks ago and couldn't be happier. Looks like about 30 mpg in mixed driving and about the same power-feel as my old 3.0 liter (kept to 267,000 miles)probably because of modern engine plus light weight. Noticed throttle sticking on idle, making for jerky starts and acceleration in town---easily cured by setting up the idle screw on the throttle body just slightly so throttle is cracked open a bit more on idle. Otherwise not a screw out of place. Happy with Continental tires--glad to get rid of Firestones.

#558 of 2986 tspike...vibration by frey44

Oct 29, 2002 (8:02 pm)

I have a 2000 Range that vibrates at similar speeds, but it is a 5 sp auto; I think mine is from the drivetrain (the engine dancing around in its mounts and transferring energy into the vehicle). You won't get help from Ford; they will just deny that any problem exists. I think your problem is a drivetrain resonance that is incurable. You might as a last resort try attaching some weight at various places on your exhaust system to see if it is a strange pipe-flex resonance of some sort (this has been reported on GM trucks). I am solving my Ranger vibration problem by getting a new Tundra soon. No more Fords for me...EVER.
Good luck.

#559 of 2986 Frey/vibration by brucelinc

Oct 30, 2002 (6:39 am)

Frey, I know you have had vibration issues from the get-go, but I thought the new driveshaft solved that problem for you. You mentioned the engine and/or torque converter. Question for you: With the truck sitting in park, do you have vibration if you bring the engine speed up to 2500 to 3500 RPM? If the vibration is engine, torque converter, or even exhaust resonance, I would think you could duplicate that issue while sitting still.
 
Another thing: When you are driving at 75 or so and experiencing the vibration, have you tried touching the brake to unlock the torque converter? Does that make a difference in the vibration?
 
Vibrations can be a pain in the a## but it seems like the cause could be isolated if not fixed.

#560 of 2986 2001 Ranger XLT 4X4 by kcowboy12

Oct 30, 2002 (2:30 pm)

I am new to edmunds amd am hopeing someone can help me with a question. I have read numerous messages about the aluminum drive shaft. My ranger is also making a "thunk" but not while driving or slowing down. periodicaly after starting the "thunk" will some from the passenger front--sounds like it at least. Has anyone else had this problem? could this be the drive shaft eventhough i am not moving?
 
Also, what is the "TSB" i have heard people refer too?
 
Thanks alot

#561 of 2986 More problems by wrr

Oct 30, 2002 (6:43 pm)

Well, today my airbag light started flashing and then stayed illuminated, even after restarting. So, now I have an appointment on Monday to have them look at that, the timing chain rattle, the defective windshield, the new rotational thump that has developed in the front end of late (did my brake rotors warp again?), hmm, did I forget anything? In the meantime, I hope to survive my commute for the next 2 days without needing airbags, and in Detroit during rush on I-275, that is a hope indeed :/
 
kcowboy12: I've had that happen, and I've seen it referred to on many 4x4 boards. From what I understand, it's normal on 4x4 drivetrains due to their construction and the sudden release of tension which builds up in the combination of U-joints in the drivetrain when you start up. Of course, this may all be BS, but I have seen the same explanation many times.

#562 of 2986 Re "Thunk" by transient

Oct 30, 2002 (7:19 pm)

Hey kcowboy12
 
I can back you up on that one. I have a 2001 Edge
4.0, ext cab, 4x4 Automatic with all the bells and whistles. And yea mine does the same thing too a "thunk", from the passenger side of the transmission. Not on a regular basis and varies on how loud it is. Mostly when it was cold in the morning. I haven't good guess on what it is either. I have been watching this post for a good year now. And this is first I've read about it.
While I'm here I'll put my 2 cents on subjects I can relate to . I'll try to be quick.
 
1 Crappy mileage from the get go . The fix, Gibson cat back exhaust. K and N Generation II KIPK kit. The Big surprise was burning mid grade fuel. With all 3 I almost get the mileage shown on the window sticker. I get 200 miles to the 3/4 tank. whoope ding dong.
 
2 Steel drive shaft got one, I haven't a clue about the vibration I read about. I do hear a slow pulsing noise at a steady speeds 35 on up. Sounds like tires to me. You really have to listen to it to hear it. Can't feel it though.
 
Thats almost the end ,my goofy prob is the engine shuts off by itself mostly right after a short turn in a parking lot. Fires right back up after a turn of the key. Happens once every other month sort of . Anyone one wanna figure that one out?
 
Other than that, its a Champion.

Messages Page 57 of 300

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